Kevin Costner: Crafting “Movies for Men” with Powerful Female Characters.

Kevin Costner: “I Can’t Imagine a Scene Without Strong Women”

During a live taping of Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast at the 92nd Street Y in New York City, Kevin Costner discussed his commitment to creating well-rounded characters, particularly women, in his films. The Oscar-winning director, alongside Horizon: An American Saga co-stars Sam Worthington, Abbey Lee, and Luke Wilson, emphasized the importance of female representation, especially in Westerns.

“When I start writing, I immediately think, ‘Where’s the woman?’ It drives every plot line,” Costner explained. “I can hardly conceive of a scene that doesn’t include women or a young girl raised by a strong woman.” Although cast member Sienna Miller couldn’t attend the event, Costner praised her “luminous” acting, highlighting her role in bringing his characters to life.

“I make movies for men,” he stated, “but I won’t make a film unless it includes strong female characters. That’s been my approach throughout my career, and I think that’s why I’ve built a solid following. I appreciate the women who bring their men along to see my films, especially in a Western context.”

Horizon: An American Saga is the first part of a planned four-part series, with the second installment set for release in August. The narrative spans 15 years of pre- and post-Civil War expansion, marking Costner’s return to directing after more than two decades. His directorial debut, Dances With Wolves, earned him an Oscar in 1991, followed by The Postman (1997) and Open Range (2003). Since then, he has primarily focused on acting and producing, notably in Yellowstone, from which he officially exited in June.

Reflecting on his return to the director’s chair, Costner told The Hollywood Reporter that he felt a deep connection to the story he wanted to tell. “Sometimes you wonder if you can still ride the bike, but I knew I had to direct this project,” he said. “I didn’t want to walk away without fully realizing the potential of the film.”

He acknowledged that while other directors might be more technically skilled, his passion for the story is what truly drives his films. “I believe in the narrative, and that belief shines through in my work,” he added.