A look inside Hollywood and the movies. : WHAT’S THE DEAL? : Sometimes Those Darn Trees Hide That Big Forest

“Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” scheduled for release by Warner Bros. on June 14, is being touted as the picture to beat this summer. It’s Kevin Costner’s first outing after seven “Dances With Wolves” Oscars. And in its two test screenings, it has scored better with the audiences than any other Warners film ever.

Still, those close to the $45-million production say all is not quiet on the post-production front.

Director Kevin Reynolds, after presiding over what all parties agree was a pressure-cooker of a shoot, left an April 12 meeting convinced that Morgan Creek Productions and the film’s producers wanted him “distanced” from the film. The following day, Morgan Creek Chief Operating Officer Gary Barber informed editor Peter Boyle that his services were no longer required. The locks on the editing room were changed that night and three assistant editors subsequently resigned.

“I was certainly fired, told I was being relieved of my post,” says Boyle, who in the wake of his dismissal sought a financial settlement from Morgan Creek. “Why all this is happening now is a mystery to all concerned--especially since the preview that was so successful was basically Kevin Reynolds’ cut.”

“Boyle wasn’t fired, just released because the movie was basically done,” explains John Watson, who, along with Pen Densham, produced the film and wrote the $1.3-million screenplay. “And Kevin is most definitely still on the project. We’re doing some fine-tuning, but it’s substantially the same movie as was previewed.”

The headstrong Reynolds has adopted an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach, nevertheless. He’s said to be unhappy not only with changes in a cut screened for him April 25, but with what he perceives as a lack of response to his suggestions.

If so, says the production team, he has unrealistic expectations. “Reynolds has done a fantastic job, but this is his first ‘big one,’ ” notes David Nicksay, president and head of production for Morgan Creek and one of three executive producers on the movie. “Films of this size on such tight schedules always require a collaborative team effort. The strong role played by creative producers and executives from the financial team can be difficult at times but, we expect, makes for a better movie.”

Watson calls the situation business as usual. “The final cut is Morgan Creek’s, not Kevin’s,” he points out. “I don’t anticipate a director of his current status would ever have final cut--though maybe, after ‘Robin Hood,’ he will. There’s nothing sinister or bizarre going on. As the most high-profile film of the summer, people are just trying to put us down.”