Kevin Costner Joins Surf Thriller ‘Headhunters’ as Star and Co-Writer
Kevin Costner Rides the Wave with New Surf Thriller ‘Headhunters’
Kevin Costner is gearing up for his next cinematic adventure. The Academy Award-winning actor is teaming up with Scott Steindorff and his Stone Village Films to produce and star in Headhunters. This project follows Costner’s recent focus on his epic Horizon: An American Saga franchise, marking a thrilling new direction for the actor as he takes on roles as an actor, producer, and co-screenwriter.
Making his feature directorial debut is accomplished cinematographer Steven Holleran, who originated the idea for the film. Holleran and Costner collaborated on the script, transporting the veteran actor away from the familiar landscapes of prairies and ranches, which he has explored in series like Yellowstone and Horizon.
Described as a blend of surf culture’s vibrant energy and horror’s suspense, Headhunters stars Costner as Lazer, a down-and-out American ex-pat with a shadowy past, living in Bali, Indonesia. Lazer gathers a team of surfers, led by local photographer Bima, to embark on a quest to discover the ultimate wave on an uncharted island. However, they quickly learn that the island is inhabited by a fierce tribe of headhunters fiercely protecting their territory. As the adventure turns into a survival story, the once-idyllic paradise reveals its darker side.
Currently in pre-production in Hawaii, Headhunters is set to begin filming in November, with studios and streamers vying for distribution rights. Casting is underway, with Daniel Zovatto, known for his standout roles in Station Eleven and The Pope’s Exorcist, already confirmed to star alongside Costner. Zovatto’s collaboration with Steindorff, who produced the acclaimed HBO series Station Eleven, further enriches the film’s creative team.
Steindorff expressed his long-standing desire to work with Costner, calling the script one of the best he’s encountered in his career. “Kevin is a legendary actor who brings so much depth and charisma to his roles,” he noted.
Holleran, who began his filmmaking journey shooting surf videos in California, shared his excitement: “It’s an honor and a dream come true to work with Kevin and Scott on this project, combining my passions for surfing, filmmaking, and adventure.”
The film’s creative team also includes cinematographer Ericson Core (Point Break, The Fast and the Furious), production designer Derek Hill (Ozark, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), and costume designer Lisa Lovaas (Horizon 1: An American Saga, Renfield). The production is being spearheaded by Costner’s Territory Pictures and Stone Village Films, with a dedicated team of producers including Howard Kaplan, Dylan Russell, Lindsay Davis, and Stacey Woods.
Costner, who recently garnered acclaim for his role in Yellowstone, continues to be represented by WME, while Zovatto is repped by CAA and Lena Roklin at Luber Roklin Entertainment. As excitement builds for Headhunters, it promises to deliver a thrilling cinematic experience.
