However, he’s being slammed for casting his youngest son, Hayes, in a minor role. Hayes plays Nathaniel Kittredge, who defends his family when their home is invaded. Hayes, 15, who was 13 during filming, told People.com: “It was thrilling and exhilarating to shoot with so much action, I mean big action, happening all around me. Like people running, glass breaking, gunfire and all that commotion! It was an adrenaline rush for sure.”
Kevin also wanted his 14-year-old daughter Grace Costner to play a role in the film, but she declined. He told People.com: “There are kids that would kill to do that, but she knows herself. It was a struggle and she cried and she didn’t want to hurt my feelings. Whenever I can trap my children, I do, to come be with me, you know?”
His 36-year-old son Joe Costner, who is the frontman for the rock band Dudley, also plays a role in a chapter of Horizon: An American Saga. Joe has previously played small roles in his dad’s films Tin Cup (1996) and The Postman (1997).
As for those who are criticizing Kevin for casting Hayes in the film when so many struggling, aspiring, or up-and-coming actors would love a role that could jump-start their careers, the actor/director said on the Today show, “He’s a beautiful boy, and he’s quiet. And I have not shoved my children into the business. I realize there’s so many young actors out there 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.
“But, in a sense, since it was a smaller part, I selfishly wanted him with me for the week, two weeks, he was with me. And we would drive to the set every day, and he would whisper. He didn’t have a lot of experience, but he’s really beautiful in the movie.”
The first chapter of Horizon: An American Saga debuts in theaters on June 28, while the second chapter hits theaters August 16th. ~Alexandra Heilbron