Kevin Costner, a name synonymous with rugged roles and cinematic grandeur, has once again graced the big screen with his latest epic, “Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1.” Known for his tough-guy personas in classics like The Untouchables and The Bodyguard, Costner has a clear vision for his films: he makes movies for men. But there's a twist—his films always feature strong, compelling women.
In a recent interview on the podcast Happy Sad Confused, Costner shared his approach to filmmaking. “Whenever you start writing, you go, ‘Where's the woman?' It just drove the story in every plot line. I can hardly conceive of a scene that didn't involve women or a young girl raised by a strong woman,” Costner explained. His commitment to integrating strong female characters is evident, and it's a significant part of why his movies resonate with a broad audience.
Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1 is no exception. This ambitious four-part saga, which chronicles 15 years of life in the American West, stars Sienna Miller, Jena Malone, Ella Hunt, and Abbey Lee. Costner not only directs but also stars as Hayes Ellison, a grumpy loner navigating the harsh realities of the frontier.
Interestingly, Costner's real-life son, Hayes, plays a role in the film, marking his acting debut. Despite never having acted before, Hayes landed the part without an audition, a testament to Costner's belief in nurturing talent while balancing familial bonds. “I wanted him to be close to me. I was away from home, I needed my family close to me, and it was a way for me to trap him,” Costner humorously noted.
Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1 hit theaters recently, with Part 2 slated for release on August 16. Costner's blend of gritty storytelling and nuanced characters continues to captivate audiences, reaffirming his status as a master filmmaker who knows how to engage both men and women alike.
