Kevin Costner defends ‘selfishly’ casting son in ‘Horizon’ over experienced actors: ‘He’s a beautiful boy’

Kevin Costner has defended his decision to cast his son Hayes in the film “Horizon: An American Saga.” Getty Images

Kevin Costner has defended his decision to cast his son Hayes in the film “Horizon: An American Saga” — despite him not having any acting experience.

The Oscar winner, 69, cast his 15-year-old son as Nathaniel Kittredge in the first of the four-part Civil War-era Western without an audition.

Admitting the move was “selfish,” Costner said of his son, “He’s a beautiful boy, and he’s quiet. And I have not shoved my children into the business.”

The Oscar winner, 69, cast his 15-year-old son as Nathaniel Kittredge in the first of the four-part Civil War-era Western without an audition. TODAY

“I realize there are so many young actors out there that would just kill to be in this movie,” he told the “Today” show “And I don’t want to take those parts away from them just cause I can place my own children in.”

According to the “Bodyguard” actor, Hayes’ role only required two weeks of filming.

Costner in “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1.” AP

“But, in a sense, it was a smaller part,” he explained. “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.”

Despite having no acting experience, Costner praised Hayes for showcasing a “really beautiful” performance.

Costner praised Hayes for showcasing a “really beautiful” performance. Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images

“He didn’t have a lot of experience, but he’s really beautiful in the movie,” the “McFarland, USA” actor said.

“It’s a really complicated scene. In the end, there’s a nobility, there’s an absolute fatalness about it. It’s what you want in a son.”

Costner shares sons Hayes and Cayden, 17, as well as daughter Grace, 14, with his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner. Getty Images Last month, the actor brought five of his seven children to the Cannes Film Festival. AFP via Getty Images

“It’s what you don’t want a son to do, and at the end of the day, you’re proud that he would make that choice,” Costner added.

Back in April, the “Yellowstone” star revealed that the character he plays in the film served as inspiration for Hayes’ name.

“I named him after the character I play in this. My character’s name is Hayes Ellison,” he told ET at the time. “And I named Hayes that character. So I was watching him grow up and I was thinking, ‘Man, I better get with it and make this movie.'”

Costner shares sons Hayes and Cayden, 17, as well as daughter Grace, 14, with his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner.

The actor joked that he needed a “tour director” to keep his kids in line at the Festival last month. Corbis via Getty Images

He also shares Joe, 36, and Liam, 26 with Cindy Silva and Bridget Rooney, respectively.

Last month, the actor brought five of his seven children to the Cannes Film Festival, joking that he needed a “tour director” to keep them in line.