Kevin Costner defends casting his son in upcoming western film

"Nepo babies" is a term for a popular career path in Hollywood, where well-known film industry parents pave the professional way for their offspring. Although he cast his son in his new movie, Kevin Costner denies rumors of facilitating his child's career. He claims he wanted to spend more time with him on set.

"Horizon: An American Saga" is an American epic western directed and produced by Kevin Costner. The world premiere will take place in a few days, on June 28.

The film aims to tell the story of the white man's expansion and settlement in the American West, and one role has been given to his son, Hayes Costner.

Kevin Costner's decision was met with disapproval in the film industry. Some accused Costner of nepotism and dragging his son into the acting world through connections.

Costner himself denies these rumors and insists that the decision to cast his child in one of the roles is not related to the popular "nepo babies" phenomenon in Hollywood but is merely a desire to spend time with his child.

On the "Today Show," the "Yellowstone" star explained that he doesn't push his children into the film industry.

I realized there’s so many young actors out there that would kill to be in this movie. I don’t want to take those parts away just ‘cause I can place my own children in [them] - he said.

He explained that casting his son in one of the roles was a way to prolong childhood and spend time together on the film set.

I selfishly wanted him with me for the week, two weeks he was with me - the actor admitted disarmingly.

The second part of the film project is already announced for August.