Kevin Costner Says The Studio Backing of ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ is “Pretty Gratifying”
Kevin Costner is grateful for the studio’s support of his latest film. The 69-year-old Academy Award winner attended the premiere of his epic movie ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ in Los Angeles on 24th June. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Costner shared how much the event meant to him.
“Envisioning a night like this is one thing, but having a studio like Warner Bros. fully back it and create such a celebratory environment for a film we’ve worked on and dreamed about for so long is incredibly gratifying,” Costner remarked.
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At the event, Costner also mentioned that his children were watching over him, as they always do. He has three adult children—Annie, 40, Lily, 37, and Joe, 36—with ex-wife Cindy Silva, a son Liam, 26, with former partner Bridget Rooney, and three younger children—Cayden Wyatt, 17, Hayes Logan, 15, and Grace Avery, 14—with now-ex-wife Christine Baumgartner.
Costner explained that his children had only seen one cut of the film and were eager to watch it without subtitles. “I brought them to France, but they’re excited to see it in its final form,” he added with a laugh.
The film premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, with five of his seven children in attendance: Annie, Lily, Grace, Hayes, and Cayden. “Horizon” explores the appeal of the Old West, detailing its conquests and losses through the hardships of many during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. Costner’s ambitious project aims to take audiences on an emotional journey across a nation divided, experienced through the perspectives of families, friends, and foes.
In addition to starring in the film, Costner also served as writer, director, and producer, with a sequel, ‘Chapter 2,’ set for release on 16th August. He started working on the film in 1988 and named his son after his character, Hayes Ellison.
“Horizon means a lot to me. It’s been the hardest project I’ve ever undertaken, but it’s what I love to do,” Costner told PEOPLE in 2022. “Completing the first chapter took everything I had, but I’m not letting go. Throughout my career, I’ve chosen projects based on passion rather than popularity. I’ve made the films I wanted to make.”
The film features a star-studded cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, Ella Hunt, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jamie Campbell Bower, Jena Malone, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, Wasé Chief, and Michael Rooker.
Costner also shared in November 2022 that his 15-year-old son Hayes appears in the movie. “I did it on purpose so he could spend time with me,” Costner explained. “The same goes for Cayden and Grace. Like any parent, I’m trying to involve them in something meaningful.”
Costner’s affinity for the Western genre is long-standing, with his directorial debut “Dances with Wolves” winning Best Picture and Best Director at the Oscars in 1990. “We often compare ourselves to previous generations,” he told PEOPLE. “I think about what was at stake and how people survived. There’s a rawness and unpredictability to that era that haunts me.”
‘Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1’ hits theatres on 28th June, followed by ‘Chapter 2’ on 16th August.
–Farheen Ali
