Also circling a major role is Chukwudi Iwuji (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Peacemaker), who is in talks to play UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. If both deals close, the series will bring together two powerhouse performers to reenact one of the UN’s most consequential humanitarian interventions. Costner is no stranger to historical roles—he’s played Eliot Ness, Wyatt Earp, and DA Jim Garrison — and United marks another return to real-world drama. After stepping away from Yellowstone and releasing the first chapters of his Western epic Horizon: An American Saga, Costner is embracing a new kind of leadership role as a former President of the United States.
Behind the scenes, United is backed by heavyweight producers including DiCaprio’s Appian Way, Onwards Studios, and Prime Focus DNEG, with shooting planned for Atlanta and Spain next year. DiCaprio’s recent slate includes the Oscar-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon and several humanitarian-focused projects, making United a natural fit.
What Is ‘United’ About
Deadline described the series like so:
“United presumably looks at the 1999 uprising in East Timor, which took place following a UN-organized independence referendum in the territory. East Timor was a Portuguese colony up until 1975, briefly asserting independence before being annexed by Indonesia, in an invasion supported by the administration of U.S. President Gerald Ford. In subsequent decades, those in the territory endured military repression, famine, and widespread human-rights abuses. But by the late ’90s, Indonesia was politically weakened, and the people of East Timor were allowed to vote on whether to remain within Indonesia or become independent.”
If Costner signs on, United will mark his first major acting role since leaving Yellowstone, and his presence alone could elevate the series to prestige status. Iwuji, fresh off Marvel and acclaimed work in Peacemaker, would be a major addition as well, playing one of the most well-known figures in modern diplomacy.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on United.
