Kevin Costner Snubs Major Star to Star in New Romance Movie

Chris Hemsworth recently revealed that he was passed over for a leading role in a new Kevin Costner-directed film, after Costner decided to cast himself instead.

“There was a script I really loved and was eager to be part of,” Hemsworth said. “Then I heard Kevin Costner had the role. I was excited about the idea of him directing it. I even spent an hour trying to convince him to let me have the part, but he was firm — ‘I’m doing it, kid.’ So, no luck for me.”

The Thor star, 40, described the film as “interesting and abstract… a small story about a man and a woman.” He also mentioned that horses play a role in the story because the character is a horse wrangler, which added to his interest.

“My wife read the script and loves horses,” Hemsworth added. “We have about 10 or 11 horses back home, so she was really encouraging me to take it.”

When asked about turning down Hemsworth for the role, Costner joked, “Chris is starting something on me. It’s a love story, and as long as I’m still young enough to play it, I’ll play it. Chris will have to wait his turn. He’s handsome and talented—he’ll find his own love story. I’m glad he likes this one. If the time comes that I can’t do it anymore, I’d definitely reach out to him. He’s one of our great leading men.”

Costner currently has four upcoming projects, including two installments of his Western epic Horizon. The first part, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, is set to premiere at next month’s Cannes Film Festival.

Costner is not only directing and starring in the Western but will also introduce his 15-year-old son, Hayes, making his acting debut. “I kind of did it on purpose so he could hang out with me,” Costner explained. “The same goes for my other kids, Cayden and Grace. Like any parent, I want them to be part of this experience.”

The 69-year-old Costner has seven children. Three—Lily, Joe, and Annie—are from his first marriage to Cindy Costner. He has another son, Liam, with Bridget Rooney, whom he dated after divorcing Cindy in 1994. In 2004, he married actor Christine Baumgartner, with whom he has three children: Cayden Wyatt, Logan Hayes, and Grace. The couple divorced earlier this year.