Kevin Costner cast a second of his sons in his new western epic “Horizon: An American Saga.”
The 69-year-old “Bodyguard” actor has sons Hayes (15) and Cayden (17) and daughter Grace (14) with his 50-year-old ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. He also has children Joe (36) and Liam (26) with his ex-girlfriends Cindy Silva (67) and Bridget Rooney (62).
He faced strong backlash and accusations that his children were part of the growing number of “Nepo babies” in Hollywood after he recently admitted that he “selfishly” cast his son Hayes in his new film.
But the actor has now told Fox News Digital that his eldest son also appeared in the film series.
He said: “My oldest son was in a scene in ‘Chapter Two’ and had a small role again (like Hayes).”
The first part of “Horizon,” which premiered at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, will be released in theaters on Friday (June 28, 2024), with the second part scheduled for release on August 16.
Oscar winner Kevin didn’t specify Joe’s role in the second Horizon film, but Hayes plays a character named Nathaniel Kittredge in the first.
The “Yellowstone” star told Fox about his children: “They all support each other.”
Kevin also joked that he was looking for ways to “get into” acting, but was quick to stress that he “didn’t push” his children to pursue careers in Hollywood.
He had previously told the Today show that Hayes eventually landed the role of Nathaniel Kittredge in the first of his four-part Civil War-era films without auditioning.
Kevin said: “He’s a handsome boy and he’s quiet. And I didn’t push my children into the business.”
“I realize there are so many young actors who would kill to be in this film, and I don’t want to take those roles away from them just because I can put my own children in them.”
While Kevin admitted his decision was “selfish,” he said Hayes’ role only required two weeks of filming.
He added: “But in some ways it was a smaller role. I wanted him with me for a week, two weeks, for selfish reasons, he was with me. And we drove to the set every day and he whispered.
“He didn’t have much experience, but he’s really great in the film,” said McFarland, USA.
“(His) scene is really complicated. There is something noble at the end – something absolutely fatal. That’s what you expect from a son.
“That’s not what you expect from a son, and in the end you’re proud that he made that decision.”