Kevin Costner’s son, Hayes, is only 15. However, he is already set to star in his father’s new film Horizon: An American Saga. The upcoming Kevin Costner movie will be the first installment of what will be a four-part franchise. On June 17’s episode of the Today Show, the movie director opened up about his decision to cast his son. He also discussed Hayes’s role in the movie. Costner revealed it was solely for selfish reasons, as he wanted to spend quality time with Hayes. “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,” he explained.
“But in this instance, it was a smaller part. I selfishly wanted him with me for the two weeks he was with me,” Costner added.
The 69-year-old actor further shared that his son plays a complicated scene in the movie, starring as Hayes Ellison. While Costner admitted Hayes didn’t have experience, he said the 15-year-old did beautifully in the movie. Kevin Costner’s son starring in his father’s movie is a huge milestone. Unfortunately, Costner’s decision to cast Hayes sparked a flurry of criticism, with some accusing Costner of nepotism. However, the backlash also triggered a strong wave of support from fans.
Fans Side With Kevin Costner Amid Nepo Baby Criticism
Many fans sided with Costner and took to X to defend the actor, slamming those criticizing him. “It’s his film, he can put his entire family in it if he wants to dude paid millions to make it,” one fan wrote. Another person commented, “He risked his life savings to make a movie and you guys have a problem with him casting his son in the movie, really?!”
A third person added, “Hot take: if you pour your life earnings into making a new movie, you get to cast whoever the f*** you want.”
Meanwhile, many others shared the same sentiments, with one fan pointing out that the public would applaud a family acting dynasty in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Like fans who defended him, Kevin Costner doesn’t care about people tagging his son a nepo baby. Instead, he will be looking forward to his new movie, which hits theaters on June 28, 2024.
