Kevin Costner Discusses Inclusivity in the Wild West

Kevin Costner Defends Depiction of Native American, Black, and Asian Characters in New Film

Kevin Costner recently defended his portrayal of Native American, Black, and Asian characters in his latest film, “Horizon: An American Saga – Part 1,” at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor, known for his role in “Dances With Wolves,” emphasized the importance of representing these characters as well-rounded individuals in his Western epic.

Costner acknowledged the significance of including diverse perspectives in his film, stating, “I can’t fill every box every time I try to make a movie. But I’m absolutely conscious of what’s at stake.” He highlighted the contributions of Chinese and African American individuals to American frontier history, underscoring their importance in his storytelling.

“Horizon” follows white settlers as they venture westward, displacing Indigenous populations who had inhabited the land for thousands of years. Critics have raised concerns about the initial portrayal of Indigenous characters in the film, but Costner defended his approach, noting that he aims to depict these characters authentically.

While Costner admitted that he may face challenges in accurately representing Native characters, he remains committed to telling their stories truthfully. He clarified that “Horizon” is told from the perspective of its white protagonists, similar to his approach in “Dances With Wolves.”

Costner’s dedication to the project is evident as he plans to invest around $100 million of his own money into the “Horizon” saga. Despite the financial risks involved, he is determined to see the project through and continue filming subsequent chapters of the epic.

As Costner navigates the complexities of storytelling and representation in his films, his commitment to authenticity and inclusivity shines through in “Horizon: An American Saga.”