Kevin Costner Talks About Son Hayes’ Acting Debut in ‘Horizon’ and the Last Season of ‘Yellowstone’ (Exclusive)
Kevin Costner Reflects on His Son Hayes’ Acting Debut in ‘Horizon’ and the Final Season of ‘Yellowstone’
For Kevin Costner, witnessing his son Hayes grow up was a powerful motivator to finally pursue his passion project, Horizon: An American Saga.
During an exclusive interview with ET’s Cassie DiLaura at the Warner Bros. Pictures presentation at CinemaCon 2024 in Las Vegas, the renowned 69-year-old actor-director shared that he named his now-15-year-old son after the character he portrays in his long-anticipated Western epic. Hayes is set to make his acting debut in the very film that Costner has been developing since the late 1980s.
“I named him after the character I play—Hayes Ellison,” Costner explained. “As I watched him grow up, I realized I needed to get moving on this movie.”
Over three decades in the making, Horizon faced delays primarily because Costner was in high demand in Hollywood. Yet, he remained committed to bringing his vision to life. It took him and co-writer Jon Baird six years to craft the scripts for this four-film saga, which originally began under the Disney banner before moving to Warner Bros. As time passed, Costner’s determination only grew stronger.
The highlight for him? Having his son join the project. “I brought him on, and he’s really good in this small part,” Costner said proudly. “He makes a significant impact on the movie.”
Importantly, Hayes did not audition for his role. “I don’t give great parts away. There are young actors who would kill for these opportunities,” Costner noted. “But I felt he could handle this, and I wanted him close. We’re locked together in this film forever.”
Set during the pre- and post-American Civil War era, Horizon portrays the expansion of the American West. The film explores the allure of the Old West and its tumultuous history, illustrating the experiences of families, friends, and foes amid a country at war with itself.
Costner directed, acted in, and produced the two-part theatrical event. Chapter One is slated for release on June 28, followed by Chapter Two on August 16, featuring a stellar cast including Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Sienna Miller, and more.
To fund this ambitious project, Costner even mortgaged “10 acres on the water in Santa Barbara.” So, how does he feel about the upcoming release?
“I feel really good about what this movie means to me. It’s the kind of film I always hoped someone would make for me,” he shared.
Costner also addressed the highly anticipated final season of Yellowstone, originally set to return in late 2023 but delayed due to tensions with co-creator Taylor Sheridan and the Hollywood strike. Part two of Season 5 is now expected in November, and Costner hopes to return in the future.
“I’d love to do it if the opportunity arises. I thought we’d go for seven seasons, but we’re at five now. I hope it all works out,” he said, acknowledging that he has considered how John Dutton’s story might conclude.
“I have my own ideas, but that’s ultimately Taylor’s decision,” he added.
Interestingly, it seems many are in the dark about the final season’s plot, including country star Lainey Wilson, who expressed her surprise at not having details about her character, Abby, possibly returning. “I’d be shocked if she doesn’t show up,” Wilson said, emphasizing Taylor Sheridan’s skill in weaving storylines together.
As fans eagerly await both Horizon and the conclusion of Yellowstone, it’s clear that Kevin Costner’s journey in Hollywood continues to evolve alongside his family.
