While Hollywood is marred with nepotism, some people from the fraternity have expressed their unwavering support for it despite the popular backlash. Joining the ranks is Kevin Costner, who didn’t think twice before casting his 15-year-old son, Hayes, for a pivotal role in his latest film, ‘Horizon: An American Saga‘, and proudly so.
The actor recently opened up about how he made the decision after having an epiphany about his son being the ideal choice for the role. During his appearance on ‘Today‘ on Monday, the 69-year-old actor couldn’t help but sing his son’s praises. Here’s what he said.
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Kevin Costner Justifies His Choice Of Casting His Own Son In His Film
Kevin Costner is not unaware of the infamous nepotism debate in Hollywood. And yet, he did not shy away from talking about casting his own teenage son in his next film ‘Horizon: An American Saga‘
“He’s a beautiful boy and he’s quiet,” Costner said with unmistakable pride during the interview. However, this decision was quite the departure from Costner’s usual stance on keeping his children out of his professional endeavors. “I have not shoved my children into the business,” he clarified.
“I realize there’s so many young actors that would just kill to be in this movie and I don’t want to take those parts away from them just ‘cause I can place my own children in. But in this instance, it was a smaller part. I selfishly wanted him with me for the week, two weeks he was with me,” he added.
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“It’s What You Want In A Son”: Kevin Costner Says He Is Proud Of His Son Hayes’s Choice
Though Kevin Costner’s son Hayes has limited acting experience, the ‘Yellowstone‘ actor lauded his son’s performance as “really beautiful.” In the film’s trailer, Hayes’ character is seen hiding his mother and sister in a secret door in the floorboards as their home is attacked. In the process, he seemingly sacrifices himself in the process.
“It’s a really complicated scene,” Costner explained to Savannah Guthrie during the interview. “In the end, there’s a nobility, there’s an absolute fatalness about it. It’s what you want in a son. It’s what you don’t want a son to do, and at the end of the day, you’re proud that he would make that choice.”
Costner shares three children — Hayes, Cayden, and Grace — with his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. He also has adult children Annie, Lily, and Joe, with ex-wife Cindy Silva, and son Liam, with Bridget Rooney.
‘Horizon: An American Saga‘ premieres in theaters on Friday, June 28.
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