Kevin Costner defends casting his son in new movie despite not having any acting experience

Kevin Costner has opened up about casting his son in his new movie and insists he hasn’t ‘shoved’ his children into showbiz.

Earlier this year, the 69-year-old debuted a film at the 77th Cannes Film Festival which he has directed, co-wrote, produced and starred in.

The offering, titled Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1, is a Civil War-era Western that sees the Yellowstone actor portraying protagonist Hayes Ellison.

Kevin Costner’s son, Hayes, 15, also appears in the movie and plays Nathaniel Kittredge in the first of a four-part saga.

Despite not having a wealth of acting experience under his belt, Hayes was cast in Horizon: An American Saga without having to audition for the part.

Opening up about his creative decision, Costner has defended himself and claimed his son has put in a stunning performance.

“He’s a beautiful boy, and he’s quiet. And I have not shoved my children into the business,” the Hollywood veteran said on Monday's (June 17) episode of the Today show.

“I realize there are so many young actors out there 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.

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is set to be released later this month. (Warner Bros.)

“But in this instance, it was a smaller part.”

Costner also admitted it was his own ‘selfishness’ that led him to cast Hayes as Nathaniel.

“I selfishly wanted him with me for the week, two weeks he was with me and we would drive to the set every day and he would whisper,” he explained.

Moreover, the Hidden Figures star claims the 15-year-old positively shone during a particularly ‘complicated scene’.

“He didn’t have a lot of experience, but he’s really beautiful in the movie," Costner said.

“It’s a really complicated scene. In the end, there’s a nobility, there’s an absolute fatalness about it. It’s what you want in a son.”

Kevin Costner has defended his decision to cast his son in his new movie. (Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Costner shares Hayes as well as son Cayden, 17, and daughter Grace, 14, with his former wife Christine Baumgartner, 50.

The pair initially met while golfing in the early 90s and were married for 18 years before finalizing their divorce in February 2024.

Costner also has three children with his ex-wife Cindy Silva, 67 - Annie, 40, Lily, 37 and Joe, 36.

He also shares 26-year-old Liam with his former partner Bridget Rooney, 62.

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is set for a cinematic release on June 28.