Inside Kevin Costner’s Son’s Role in Horizon: Chapter 1
Kevin Costner’s Passion Project Horizon: An American Saga Holds Personal Meaning, Featuring His Son’s Acting Debut
Kevin Costner’s epic Western film series, Horizon: An American Saga, is a deeply personal project for the Academy Award-winning actor and director. Not only did he invest millions of his own money to bring this story of settlers and Indigenous peoples in the American West to life, but the film also marks the acting debut of his youngest son, Hayes Costner. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 is now streaming and is the first installment in a planned four-part series exploring the tumultuous times before, during, and after the Civil War.
Hayes Costner plays Nathaniel Kittredge, the 15-year-old son of homesteaders Frances (played by Sienna Miller) and James Kittredge. Although his screen time is limited, Nathaniel’s character is portrayed as brave and resilient. For example, he stands up to an older boy teasing him and his friends, and during a violent attack on their home by Apache warriors, Nathaniel fights alongside his father to defend their family.
Tragically, Nathaniel’s courage leads to his demise off-screen. After helping his mother and sister escape through secret tunnels, he chooses to stay and continue defending the house with his father. His final words, “It’s alright… I’m gonna be with Dad,” underscore the character’s loyalty and bravery before Nathaniel and James are killed, either by the attackers or the fire that consumes their home.
Kevin Costner on Casting His Son
Costner has spoken openly about casting his son, emphasizing that he never pressured Hayes into acting. While acknowledging potential accusations of nepotism, Costner explained that the role was small and he wanted to share the experience with his son during filming. He said,
“I realize there are so many young actors who would love to be in this movie. I don’t want to take those parts away just because I can put my own children in. But since it was a smaller part, I selfishly wanted him with me. For those two weeks on set, we drove together every day, and he quietly did his best. He didn’t have much experience, but he’s really beautiful in the movie.”
A Meaningful Namesake: Kevin Costner’s Character
Interestingly, Kevin Costner’s own character in Horizon: Chapter 1 is named Hayes Ellison, after his son. Hayes Ellison is a horse trader who embodies the classic Western gunslinger archetype, though he is neither law enforcement nor an outlaw. Some viewers felt Costner’s character didn’t have enough screen time, which was a common criticism of the film.
The Future of Horizon and Hayes Costner’s Role
Despite the film’s underwhelming box office performance, Costner remains committed to the saga. Nathaniel Kittredge’s death in the first chapter means Hayes Costner’s character won’t appear in the second film, and Hayes is not listed in the cast for upcoming installments. However, there’s still a chance Nathaniel could appear in flashbacks or memories, as his mother Frances and sister Elizabeth remain central to the story.
Costner originally planned four Horizon movies, with the third currently in production and expected to finish filming in spring 2025. Costner acknowledged the challenges ahead but remained determined, stating, “I don’t know how I’m gonna make 3 right now, but I’m gonna make it.”
