Kevin Costner is a Hollywood icon, known for classics like Bodyguard, Dances With Wolves, and Waterworld. His next big project is the highly anticipated western epic Horizon: An American Saga, the first installment of a four-part film series.
Kevin Costner on Casting His Son in Horizon
Costner recently revealed on the Today Show why he cast his 15-year-old son, Hayes, in Horizon. In a candid admission, Costner called it a “selfish” move, choosing his son for the role of Nathaniel Kittredge without an audition. He described Hayes as a “beautiful boy, and he’s quiet,” emphasizing that he hasn’t pushed his children into show business.
Acknowledging the competitive nature of the industry, Costner noted that many young actors would “kill” for a role in the film, and he didn’t want to take opportunities away from them simply because he could cast his own children. However, he wanted Hayes to join him for the two weeks of shooting, savoring the daily drives to the set and the time spent together.
Despite Hayes’ limited experience, Costner praised his performance, describing it as “really beautiful.”
More on Horizon: An American Saga
Costner has a personal connection to the film, having named his son Hayes after his character in the movie, Hayes Ellison. Reflecting on this, he shared with Entertainment Tonight, “I named Hayes that character. So I was watching him grow up and I was thinking, ‘Man, I better get with it and make this movie.’”
The film premiered at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, receiving an impressive 11-minute standing ovation. Costner not only stars in the film but also directed, produced, and co-wrote it, making it a particularly special project for him. The first part of Horizon: An American Saga is set to hit theaters on June 28, 2024, with the second part following on August 16, 2024, according to Deadline
