Kevin Costner Discusses Persistent Problem in Western Films That Has “Always Bothered” Him

As anticipation builds for Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, actor Kevin Costner has revealed a significant frustration he holds regarding the Western genre: the underrepresentation of women.

The ambitious four-part series, Horizon: An American Saga, promises a diverse array of narratives and characters, prominently featuring female figures such as the widowed Frances Kittredge and the fugitive Lucy Harvey. These strong female roles are integral to the sweeping narratives that Costner aims to portray.

Despite facing challenges including lukewarm reviews and disappointing box office numbers for the initial installment, Costner is passionately committed to advancing this cinematic saga.

Kevin Costner Advocates for Female Representation in Westerns

During a Q&A session following the premiere of Chapter 2 at the Santa Barbara Film Festival on February 7, Costner expressed his longstanding concerns, stating, “I was always bothered that we didn’t have more women in our Westerns, because there was no West without women, ” as reported by Variety.

Costner further elaborated on a pivotal scene in the sequel, asserting, “For us to think that a woman couldn’t be co-opted right in front of a group of people — we’re kidding ourselves. It’s happening now, all around us, across the world.”

The cast of Horizon: An American Saga — Warner Bros. Pictures

He acknowledged the ease of storytelling when incorporating women, admitting, “When we were creating the story, we could not keep women out of it. It just was easier with them in it.”

Historically, iconic films within this genre, such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Dances With Wolves, have predominantly showcased masculine narratives. In contrast, Horizon: An American Saga provides a more balanced perspective, intertwining the experiences of both men and women as they navigate the complexities of the Old West.

Additionally, at the Cannes premiere of the first chapter, Costner notably chose to spotlight the female cast members, stating, “For Cannes, I really want to take these women who made a huge contribution to this movie, ” as reported by People.

While no updates have been provided regarding the broader release of Chapter 2, Costner shared insights into his ambitious project, revealing, “I started this in 1988. I couldn’t make it then and it didn’t seem like anybody liked it too much, so I thought ‘F**k it, I’m going to write four more.’”

For those eager to explore more about the genre, check out some of the best Western TV shows and discover ways to view all of Kevin Costner’s Western features.

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