Kevin Costner defends ‘selfishly’ casting son Hayes in ‘Horizon’ after criticizing nepotism in Hollywood

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Actor Kevin Costner believes his 15-year-old son Hayes was the ideal choice for a specific character in his upcoming movie 'Horizon: An American Saga'.

Hayes Costner was cast as Nathaniel Kittredge in the first part of Costner's four-part Civil War-era Western. His father came clean about his opposition to nepotism in Hollywood and claimed that he "selfishly" handed his son a role.

Kevin Costner clarifies about giving son Hayes 'smaller part' in 'Horizon: An American Saga'

During a recent interview on the 'Today' show, the 'Yellowstone' star revealed that he had "selfishly" cast his 15-year-old son in his upcoming movie and recounted the time they spent together on set.

In addition to talking about getting his son Hayes cast in the movie, Kevin expressed his opposition to nepotism in Hollywood.

Kevin remarked regarding Hayes, "He's a beautiful boy and he's quiet," before going on to clarify that the actor's views on celebrities incorporating their kids in their ventures were violated by the casting decision.

"I have not shoved my children into the business. I realize there's so many young actors that would just kill to be in this movie," the 'Yellowstone' star added.

Kevin continued, "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."

Despite Hayes' lack of acting experience, Kevin was proud of his son for his "really beautiful" performance.

In particular, he praised a scene in the trailer where Hayes' character appears to be sacrificing himself by hiding his mother and sister in a secret door in the floorboards while their home is being attacked, per TooFab.

Costner clarified, "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."

"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."

Kevin Costner named his son after film's lead character Hayes Ellison

The fact that Kevin named his son after the main lead of 'Horizon', Hayes Ellison, adds even more significance to Hayes' acting debut—given that the movie has been in development for over 30 years.

The actor, 69, said to Entertainment Tonight in April, "I was watching him grow up and I was thinking, 'Man, I better get with it and make this movie!'"

Kevin and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, share two children: Cayden, 17, and Grace, 14. Kevin also has adult children Annie, 40, Lily, 37, and Joe, 36, with his ex-wife Cindy Silva, and a son Liam, 26, with his former partner Bridget Rooney.

Kevin took Hayes and his four siblings to the Cannes Film Festival in May, and there was a 10-minute standing ovation after the film's first showing.

Kevin said, "I brought five of them and got them tuxedos, I bought them dresses," referring to his children who were attending the special event. "I wanted to know … that they were going to stick with me and support me."

Internet reacts to Kevin Costner casting son Hayes in new film

Social media users turned out to be supportive of Kevin Costner casting his 15-year-old son in his upcoming film as one user wrote on Facebook, "Nobody is gonna bully or guilt me into not putting my children into position to win in a business I WORKED HARD FOR & put MY MONEY into."

Another user echoed a similar sentiment and said, "It’s a little different when the parent is the one making the movie. If I made a movie I’d put my kids in it too. Lol."

"Nepotism isn’t always a bad thing. If that role fits him and he’s a solid actor then there’s nothing to see here," justified one.

Another remarked, "He's teaching his son his profession. That's a dad thing."

"If we were in his shoes we would do the same. Come on now," chimed in another.

One wrote, "It's HIS movie and his son has a SMALL part. I'm sure he thought his son was talented enough for it."

Another exclaimed, "He put up a lot of his own money if he wants to put his kid in the movie that’s his call!!!"

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