When Kevin Costner and Whoopi Goldberg are catching up, don’t interrupt. Costner appeared on “The View” on Monday to discuss his new film, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1.” The interview provided a perfect opportunity for the Oscar-winning actor to reconnect with his longtime friend and “The View” co-host.
Goldberg’s co-host, Sunny Hostin, playfully teased Goldberg for her beaming smile during Costner’s introduction on the ABC talk show. “She doesn’t smile like that at everyone either,” Hostin joked, to which Goldberg replied, “That’s a happy-to-see-an-old-friend smile.”
The sentiment was mutual for Costner. “You’ve been a good friend,” he told Goldberg warmly in response.
During their conversation, Goldberg asked Costner what he hopes viewers will take away from “Horizon,” a historical drama depicting the trials of Western expansion. The question prompted a reflective response from Costner, who emphasized the film’s exploration of the “mixed bag” of American history, particularly the impact of expansion on Native American peoples.
“America started to make this march across this country, and that promise was if you’re strong enough, if you’re tough enough, if you’re resourceful enough, you can hold onto it. The problem was there was a group of people who were here for 15,000 years who had a way of life,” Costner said. “And so, the promise of America ran right into the dream of another people that had been existing quite nicely without us.”
Just as Goldberg was about to continue the interview, she was seemingly prompted by “The View” producers to cut to a commercial break. “Oh, OK. I just — yeah, OK,” she said before announcing the break.
The interruption elicited a playful remark from Costner, who teased Goldberg for the pause. “Take control of this, Whoopi, honestly,” Costner said with a grin. “Tell those sponsors to stand down. We’re talking!”
The conversation also delved into Costner’s recent work and personal life. Costner’s 15-year-old son, Hayes Costner, made his cinematic debut in “Horizon,” playing the role of Nathaniel Kittredge. Costner gushed about the experience of working alongside his teen son during a Monday interview on the “Today” show.
“He’s a beautiful boy, and he’s quiet. And I have not shoved my children into the business,” Costner told host Savannah Guthrie. “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.”
He continued: “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.”
“Horizon” is the first of four installments in Costner’s upcoming “Horizon: An American Saga” franchise. The “Yellowstone” actor not only stars in the film series but also directs, produces, and co-writes the project. The film’s May screening at the Cannes Film Festival earned Costner a prolonged standing ovation, setting high expectations for the upcoming releases.
Costner’s deep connection with his film and his thoughtful reflection on America’s history make “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” a must-watch, offering a nuanced portrayal of the country’s complex past.
