Kevin Costner is no stranger to high-stakes filmmaking and the tension that comes with it. As he preps for the Cannes premiere of Horizon: An American Saga, the legendary actor sheds light on his ambitious post-Civil War project and the swirling controversy surrounding his departure from Yellowstone. Here’s a closer look at what he had to say.
The Making of Horizon
Costner’s passion project, Horizon, has become a significant chapter in his career. Turning his Santa Barbara home into a post-production hub, he’s deeply involved in editing both parts of the film. The project marks his directorial return, and it’s something he’s poured his heart and soul into.
“I feel I’ve made a movie for the people,” Costner shared, emphasizing that this isn’t just another film for him—it’s a deeply personal endeavor. His vision of storytelling through a series of characters riding west reflects his artistic aspirations.
“This is my turn to tell a story,” he added, underscoring the importance of creating something that resonates with audiences.
Yellowstone: A Complicated Legacy
While Horizon is poised to make waves, Costner’s exit from Yellowstone remains a hot topic. The show has skyrocketed in popularity, yet behind the scenes, tensions have flared. Costner revealed that he felt disappointed by the way the discussions around his involvement were handled.
“I haven’t felt good about it the last year,” he confessed, addressing the rumors and “squabbles” that have emerged. Costner expressed frustration over how the narrative surrounding his departure has been shaped, particularly the notion that he prioritized Horizon over his commitment to Yellowstone.
The Contractual Struggles
Costner’s contractual obligations played a significant role in the drama. Initially signed for multiple seasons, negotiations began to shift, with the producers wanting to rework his contract into shorter segments. This caused confusion and ultimately led to a rift.
“They sent me away for seven days to go to London… They wanted to redo that one, and instead of seasons six and seven, it was 5A and 5B,” Costner explained. The moving timelines left him scrambling to fit his filmmaking schedule around Yellowstone.
Costner was clear that he has always prioritized Yellowstone and has fulfilled his obligations under the original contract. However, as production schedules changed and scripts became delayed, he found himself caught in a frustrating situation.
Balancing Passion Projects and Commitments
With so much on his plate, one might wonder how Costner balances the demands of acting in a hit series while simultaneously directing a four-part film saga. He candidly admitted that the pressure of managing multiple projects has been intense.
“I’m very open to coming back,” he said regarding Yellowstone, indicating that if the writing is strong, he’s willing to consider returning. He pointed out the importance of a solid script and a clear direction before committing to further seasons.
The Influence of External Factors
Costner also touched on how external factors, like the writing pace of showrunner Taylor Sheridan, impacted the production timeline. With multiple projects under Sheridan’s belt, the focus on Yellowstone has sometimes waned.
“They shut down one whole season, didn’t tell anybody and I didn’t work for 14 months,” he said, expressing his frustrations with the production team’s management. The long delays contributed to a perception that he wasn’t dedicated, which Costner vehemently refuted.
Costner’s Vision and Legacy
At the core of Costner’s journey is a commitment to his craft. He’s willing to take risks to bring his vision to life, and that includes pouring his own money into Horizon.
“I can do this. My kids might not get the 10 acres, but they’re going to have my legacy,” he stated. This legacy is something he’s intent on shaping, regardless of the challenges he faces along the way.
A New Chapter Awaits
With Horizon set to premiere at Cannes, Costner is excited about the possibilities ahead. He aims to showcase a film that reflects both his artistic vision and the stories he wants to tell.
“I hope the same for Francis [Ford Coppola], but we’re not immune to just being picked at,” he reflected, acknowledging the pressures faced by filmmakers who venture into uncharted territories.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
As Kevin Costner embarks on this new journey with Horizon, he carries the weight of expectations not just from fans, but from himself. With a blend of passion, ambition, and a willingness to take risks, he’s poised to leave a mark that transcends the screen.
