Kevin Costner Has A New Western Series And It Isn’t Yellowstone
Kevin Costner will host a Western documentary for the History Channel.
Amid the off-screen Yellowstone drama, Kevin Costner has signed on to host a Western documentary for the History Channel. The news was revealed during the 2023 A&E Network upfront presentation. The eight-episode project explores several classic stories, myths, and clichés whose origins began during that influential time in American history, presented by the Robin Hood actor.
Hosting the series, which is still known by its working title, Kevin Costner’s The West with Costner, is a sentimental moment for the actor. The 68-year-old got his stared on the History Channel in the Emmy Award-winning Hatfields & McCoys miniseries. Following the announcement of the new show, the DC alum shared his thoughts about the project.
“I am in love with history. I love the rich, heroic, and harrowing stories of the West,” Kevin Costner said via Movie Web. He also feels the need to put [Western] times its people into the correct context without judgment. The actor also touched on his previous work for the channel. “This particular project is significant as it marks an opportunity to partner with legendary biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin.”
Praising the filmmaker, Kevin Costner said Goodwin artfully weaves together stories that are “expansive, intimate and true.” Although the actor’s recent television success is due to his stellar performance as John Dutton, his love for the Western genre is evidenced in his extensive catalog of work. Dances with Wolves is the most notable, as it served as the catalyst for the genre’s revitalization.
Meanwhile, Paramount recently addressed reports that the actor’s time on Yellowstone may come to an end due to scheduling conflicts. “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of the series, and we hope that’s the case for a long time,” a network spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The 68-year-old recently won the Best Actor Golden Globe for his portrayal of John Dutton.
Yellowstone was created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson for the Paramount Network in 2018. Now in its fifth season, the plot revolves around the ranch-owning Dutton family. The story also examines the conflict with national parks, land developers, and Native reservations. Along with Kevin Costner, the series features Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, and Gil Birmingham.
While the Yellowstone ranch has always been filled with drama, Matthew McConaughey has had his name thrown into the mix for another spin-off series. Interestingly, the network didn’t shoot down the rumor entirely. “Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Away from television, the actor is currently working on Horizon. Billed as an epic Western, the film is directed by Kevin Costner from a script he co-wrote with Jon Baird. Other notable stars featured in the movie include Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, and Thomas Haden Church. There are plans for two more installments in the series, making it a trilogy.
