“It’s a ridiculous theme for me”: Kevin Costner’s Career Has Been Haunted By One Harsh Truth He Still Cannot Escape After Over 30 Years

Kevin Costner has poured his heart and soul into bringing Horizon: An American Saga to life, dedicating countless hours and his hard-earned money over many years. This ambitious project marks the beginning of a four-part film series, with the second installment scheduled for release in August. Parts three and four are currently in development.

In a significant return to directing after more than two decades, Costner leads a talented ensemble cast through a sweeping narrative spanning 15 years of American history, from pre- to post-Civil War expansion. From his earlier directorial successes like Dances with Wolves and Open Range, Costner has taken on the challenge of not only directing but also financing a substantial portion of these epic films. And this is what he feels is a little ridiculous about big old Hollywood.

Kevin Costner Might Be the Only Person Who Pays to Work in Hollywood

Kevin Costner has long been on a quest to pursue projects that truly resonate with him, and Horizon: An American Saga is undeniably one of those passions. However, returning to this familiar path also brought him face-to-face with his own established routines.

While Horizon is an enticing project, Hollywood showed interest in just one, four was a bit much. Thus, Costner made an important decision a few years back to finance the project himself. With the support of two undisclosed external investors as per GQ reports.

In a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, alongside co-stars Sam Worthington, Abbey Lee, and Luke Wilson, the Oscar-winning director discussed the unconventional theme of “having to pay to work in Hollywood,” a stark contrast to the typical industry dynamics where actors are usually paid for their roles. He said,

I had this idea in 1988, couldn’t pull it together in 2003 over money. I wouldn’t let go of it, and no one seemed that happy with the movie. So I thought I would write four more. At that point, everybody thought, “Wow, he has lost it.” And it took four years to do that. Nobody was jumping up and down to do it. 

He further explained,

I’ve had four of them, and I thought I know why I went to a movie to just be transformed and lean into a movie and for it to take me somewhere–and I felt like I got there. I saw it on paper. It’s not an illusion to me. I saw how it worked. And I was desperate to bring it. And eventually, I had to look at myself. I don’t know. I might be the only person in Hollywood that pays to work. It’s a ridiculous theme with me.

Costner also revealed to GQ,

I know they say I’ve got $20 million of my own money in this movie,–It’s not true. I’ve got now about $38 million in the film. That’s the truth. That’s the real number.

Despite its absurdity, it has been a recurring theme for Costner to pursue the movies he truly desires to make, often receiving little to no external support and having to fend for himself. This self-reliance is both incredible and rare, as many in his position struggle to secure resources. Costner is grateful for the resources he does have.

How Was It Returning to the Director’s Chair for Kevin Costner?

Returning to directing after more than two decades, Costner’s last stint was marked by an Oscar win for his debut in Dances With Wolves, followed by The Postman and Open Range. Since then, he has primarily focused on acting and producing, notably in projects like Yellowstone, from which he officially departed on June 20.

Reflecting on his return to directing with Horizon: An American Saga, Costner shared with The Hollywood Reporter, the experience of revisiting familiar territory. He revealed,

Sometimes you wonder if you can still ride the bike, but what I knew was I believed so much in my story that I really was the one that needed to direct thisI didn’t want to come away not bringing everything home that I thought the movie had a chance to deliver.

He further added,

There are people that are more talented than myself. I’m sure that [there are] directors [who] really understand the camera, but I believe in the story, and I believe so much in it that for me I think that comes shining through my movies.

Fans are delighted that this project has brought him back to the director’s chair and eagerly anticipate all the things he has in store for them.

Horizon: An American Saga is now in theaters.