“Jamie Campbell Bower Describes Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Script as ‘Electric'”
NEW YORK, Aug. 23 (UPI) — Jamie Campbell Bower says he was instantly drawn to a role in Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 after reading Kevin Costner’s screenplay for the epic western.
“I’m always searching for exceptional characters and outstanding writing,” Bower, 35, told UPI during a recent Zoom interview. “I’ve been fortunate that everything that has come my way has felt that way, and this script was no exception. It was electric. I was completely energized by it and knew right away that I wanted to be a part of it. It just felt right.”
The film, the first in a planned three-part western series, premieres on Max this Friday. It explores various groups during the Civil War and the westward expansion into Indigenous lands in the 19th century. Costner wrote, directed, and stars in the film as horse trader Hayes Ellison. The impressive cast also includes Sienna Miller, Abbey Lee, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, Ella Hunt, Tim Guinee, Danny Huston, Tom Payne, Michael Rooker, Will Patton, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, and Wasé Winyan Chief.
In the film, Hayes and Bower’s character, outlaw Caleb Sykes, come into conflict when Hayes intervenes in old business related to Sykes’s family.
Bower was thrilled when Costner praised his performance at a recent press conference. “I admire Kevin Costner as a person, an actor, and a director. Receiving such high praise from him is incredibly heart-warming, and I often find myself unsure of how to respond.”
One of the film’s most intense scenes features a confrontation between Caleb and Hayes on a steep hill. While Caleb vents angrily, Hayes remains mostly silent, conserving his energy.
“Physically, it was fine for me,” Bower said. “I run regularly, so I wasn’t too out of breath during filming. I also really enjoy physical work on camera; I find it quite fun.” The scene also carries emotional weight, as the shifting power dynamics between the two characters unfold.
“We had some truly magical moments during that scene,” Bower reflected. “As an actor, you hope for those moments, but they can’t be planned or predicted. You give your all, and sometimes an extra spark comes out of nowhere. We were lucky to experience that magic in that scene.”
Bower views Caleb not as a villain but as a “broken and traumatized” individual who believes he is doing the right thing by settling old scores. “One of the things I really connected with was the family dynamic, especially the abusive relationship Caleb has with his mother, which is evident early in the film,” Bower explained.
The Sykes family lacks the love one might hope for, according to the actor. “Caleb’s experiences create a cycle of fear, which turns into hate and resentment. He is constantly trying to prove himself and assert control, believing that being the toughest and baddest offers a sense of safety and control.”
