Kevin Costner is returning to the Western genre with a newminiseries project at A&E.
Kevin Costner is returning to the Western genre with a newminiseries project at A&E.
The “Dances With Wolves” actor-director is developing a four-hourmovie for the cable network.
The untitled project has Costner partnering with producer ArmyanBernstein (“The Hurricane,” “Open Range”) to tell a post-Civil Warstory covering a major conflict in the settlement of the West.Costner will executive produce and might direct part of theminiseries.
“Costner understands the Western better than anybody, and herespects the genre,” said Tana Nugent Jamieson, the network’ssenior vp drama programming. “He knows every bit of detail aboutthe West; this is a genre he feels a lot of passion for. It’s aperfect fit.”
Costner might also appear in the project, depending on the finalscript. Jamieson said Costner has expressed interested in one ofthe roles, which is being drafted.
“There is a character that he’s interested in, and we’re hoping hewill potentially play, but until we have a script we can’t say toomuch,” she said.
The project will be announced at A&E’s upfront presentation Thursday along with the network’s other new scripted developments. Ifgreenlighted, the Western will be the network’s second miniseriesfollowing last year’s adaptation of “The Andromeda Strain,” whichbecame A&E’s second-most watched program ever (4.9 millionviewers) and earned seven Emmy nominations. Jamieson said A&Ehopes to have one big event miniseries a year.
In addition to “Wolves,” which won the Oscar for best picture of1990, Costner also appeared in the Westerns “Silverado,” “WyattEarp” and “Open Range.”
