Utah Actors Share What Makes Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Series Stand Out
St. George — No matter how much money the next chapter of Kevin Costner’s Horizon franchise earns, Utahns who worked alongside the Hollywood icon say the experience was priceless.
From dancing by firelight to heartfelt conversations about Utah’s filmmaking legacy, local actors involved in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 say working with Costner was far from ordinary. Filmed largely in Washington County, the second film in the planned four-part Western epic gave many cast members a glimpse of a more personal, grounded side of Hollywood.
For actor Alex Nibley, who plays Martin Pine—a member of a wagon train heading west—it became clear early on that this was no standard production. During his costume fitting, Nibley was shown a room filled with photos of over 100 characters dressed in detailed 1860s-period clothing. Costume designer Lisa Lovaas had him try on several handmade outfits before choosing the perfect one.
“When I got dressed, I turned around, looked in the mirror—and there was my great-great-grandfather, Alexander Naibaur, staring back at me,” Nibley said, referencing the pioneer-era dentist who once crafted dentures for Brigham Young.
Rehearsals were equally unique. Hallie Purser, an Orem-based actor who played Evie Kettridge, said Costner invited the entire wagon train cast to spend a week rehearsing lines, learning how to ride horses, and driving wagons at a home he rented north of St. George. “Usually you’re on your own until the cameras roll,” she said. “But Kevin wanted us to live in that world before filming.”
Salt Lake City actor Naomi Winder, who plays Martha Kittredge—Evie’s sister in the film—said even the shooting environment was immersive. Costner ensured the crew and their equipment stayed out of actors’ line of sight, helping them fully commit to the world their characters inhabited.
“We were looking at the world we were supposed to be in,” Winder said. “I’ve never had a director do that.”
Meeting Costner for the first time was nerve-wracking for her. “I was shaking—I’d never met a celebrity before,” she admitted. “But he gave me a hug and told me how excited he was to work with me. I was shocked by how welcoming he was to a Utah actor.”
Costner’s approachability extended beyond the principal cast. Nibley noted that, unlike most directors, Costner personally spent time with extras, walking them through scenes, explaining motivations, and treating them as essential contributors—not just background filler.
“He gave them the same attention he’d give a Hollywood star,” Nibley said. “That kind of care and respect just isn’t something you see every day on a film set.”
