In 1986, Don Johnson, famous for his role in Miami Vice, declined the lead role in Brian De Palma’s film The Untouchables—a decision that opened the door for Kevin Costner Untouchables role and ultimately helped launch Costner’s movie career. Johnson turned down the part to avoid being typecast as a cop, despite the opportunity to star in a gangster classic set during Prohibition.
The Rise of Don Johnson and His Struggle with Typecasting
Before Miami Vice premiered in 1984, Don Johnson was a relatively unknown actor with only a modest sci-fi film, A Boy and His Dog, to his credit. The television show skyrocketed Johnson to fame, making him a cultural icon as Sonny Crockett, an undercover detective with a penchant for designer suits and sports cars. His unique style influenced fashion trends among men, while female fans admired him as a heartthrob. Despite the glowing attention, Johnson found the association with a cop character suffocating and feared losing his identity as an actor.
By 1986, concerned about being stuck in the same mold, Johnson was determined to break free from his image as a polished lawman chasing criminals. He believed continuing down that path would limit his creative growth and lead to a narrow reputation. When presented with the chance to play Eliot Ness in The Untouchables, Johnson dismissed the role, feeling it was too similar to what he had already done on TV.
Why Johnson Rejected the Lead Role in The Untouchables
At the time Brian De Palma offered Johnson the part, the script of The Untouchables did not excite him. Johnson viewed the character as dull and the story as nothing more than “dress up,” lacking the depth he sought. On Marc Maron‘s WTF podcast in March 2025, he explained his motivation:
“The thing I realized early on was that, okay, I gotta separate myself from this character. I gotta separate Don Johnson from Sonny Crockett, ASAP. … It was really sort of about picking projects that were diametrically opposed to what I had just done so that I didn’t get typecast in just this one thing.” – Don Johnson
Unaware that Robert De Niro would join the film, Johnson passed on a role that soon became critically acclaimed. The script had initially been offered to a variety of stars including Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Gene Hackman, and Mickey Rourke—none of whom accepted it. Kevin Costner, then a relatively unknown actor with limited screen credits, seized the opportunity, ultimately elevating his career and gaining widespread recognition alongside Sean Connery and Robert De Niro.
The Film’s Impact and Varied Critical Reception
The Untouchables quickly became one of the most remembered political thrillers of the 1980s. While it garnered praise, opinions among critics were divided about the film’s approach and style. Regardless, the movie established Kevin Costner as a legitimate lead actor in Hollywood, opening doors for him to expand into directing, producing, and writing over time.
Life After The Untouchables for Don Johnson
Following his decision to reject The Untouchables, Don Johnson chose to star in a small romantic comedy titled Sweet Hearts Dance, released in 1988. The film failed to impress at the box office, and the heartthrob missed his chance to become a major blockbuster film star. Instead, Johnson’s later career took him towards more lighthearted, comedic roles, including working alongside Kevin Costner once again in the 1996 golf comedy Tin Cup.
Despite his efforts to distance himself from his Miami Vice persona, Johnson eventually returned to a similar type of role in the mid-1990s, starring in the TV series Nash Bridges. He played the titular inspector, manning the streets once more and drawing on his earlier cop character experience. Johnson went on to secure supporting parts in acclaimed films such as Django Unchained and Knives Out, cultivating a successful career as a character actor in both television and cinema.
Reflecting on his career choices, Johnson does not express regret about turning down the Untouchables role, emphasizing that he was focused on expanding his interests at the time. Alongside acting, he pursued music and even participated in powerboat racing, embracing a diverse lifestyle away from the limelight.
How One Role Changed Hollywood Trajectories
Don Johnson’s decision to turn down The Untouchables role significantly shaped both his career and Kevin Costner’s trajectory. The movie became a defining moment for Costner, shifting him from a journeyman actor to a prominent Hollywood figure. For Johnson, the choice underscored his desire to avoid being pigeonholed, though it delayed his emergence as a leading film star.
This story highlights the risks actors face when navigating typecasting and career growth. While Johnson’s wish to break free from his cop image was understandable, the film’s success illustrates how critical timing and script perception can influence opportunities in the entertainment industry. Ultimately, the paths of these two actors intertwined, shaping Hollywood’s legacy in the 1980s and beyond.
