Kevin Costner Shares His Approach to Character Development in Film

Oscar-winning director Kevin Costner has joined Josh Horowitz's film Happy, sad, confused A podcast recording live at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, with the owner Horizon: An American Epic Co-stars Sam Worthington, Abi Lee and Luke Wilson.

During the in-depth discussion, Costner emphasized his commitment to crafting inclusive characters, especially women, who challenge traditional Western models.

“When you start writing, you say to yourself: Where is the woman? That was the motivation behind the story in every line of the plot,” he said. “It seemed so easy to me. I mean, I couldn't imagine a scene that didn't involve women or a little girl being raised by a strong woman.”

Sienna Miller, one of the film's actresses, was praised by Costner for her “luminous” performance, which he claimed brought his characters to life, even though she was unable to attend the podcast taping.

“I make films for men,” he continued. “That's what I do. But I won't make a movie unless I have strong female characters, and that's how I manage my career. And I think that's why I have such a good following. Thank you women for dragging your men in here. It was a Western , after every thing.”

Costner's latest projects Horizon: An American Epicis a four-part film series, with Part 1 and Part 2 releasing in August.

The remaining two parts are in production. He directs and stars in the film, which spans an expansive 15 years before and after the Civil War.

This marks his return to directing after a 20-year hiatus, following his Oscar-winning debut with dancing with the wolves In 1991, and subsequent directorial efforts in mailman (1997) and Open field (2003).

In recent years, Costner has focused on acting and producing, especially in soap operas Yellowstonewhich he officially left on June 20.