Renowned actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner has recently shared his thoughts on the "limited" conversations surrounding Indigenous representation in modern Westerns. Speaking about his latest project, "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1," Costner emphasized the importance of portraying Native American characters in a nuanced and multi-dimensional manner on the screen.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Costner expressed his frustration with society's hesitance to delve into the true complexities of Native American history. He stated, "I'm just so tired of everybody trying to be so delicate about things. [The Native Americans] were pissed [about settlers]. I don't feel like I have to [hold someone's hand]. 'Oh my God, here we go again. Indians are the bad guys.' Of course, they're not the bad guys. But if you're going to be limited, if people aren't willing to watch how something unfolds, I don't know what to say."

Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" features the character Pionsenay, portrayed by Owen Crow Shoe, leading a massacre against settlers in an effort to defend and protect his land. The actor-filmmaker explained, "I'm not interested in spoon-feeding people. The reality is it was one tent too many, and the [Apache] went down there, and they tried to wipe the [settlers] out. Their anger is they're not able to hunt. They have to go and interact with tribes when they had long ago settled those issues."

This is not the first time Costner has tackled the topic of Native American history in Westerns. Back in 1990, he starred in and directed the critically acclaimed film "Dances With Wolves," which aimed to showcase the conflicts between tribes and settlers during the Westward expansion. Costner worked closely with the Lakota people in the making of the movie.

Reflecting on his passion for Westerns, Costner highlighted that he is captivated by the genre's inherent attributes and setting. He expressed his love for the language and pacing of Westerns, stating, "I'm in love with the language, and I think it informs [the action]. I'm willing to take my time saying the lines I want against these big spaces."

However, Costner acknowledged that there are limitations within the genre, which he tried to address in "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1." He aimed to inject emotional depth into the film, particularly in a scene where settler characters grapple with their own mortality. Costner noted, "That scene actually has three different emotions, and that's what I think is missing in the majority of Westerns. It's not that I'm trying to set the record straight, it's just that they can be too simple for me."

As an influential figure in the film industry, Costner's comments bring attention to the need for authentic and comprehensive representation of Indigenous characters and stories in Westerns. By pushing for greater complexity and honoring the true history of native peoples, Costner is encouraging a broader understanding and appreciation of the genre.

"Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" serves as a testament to Costner's commitment to presenting a truthful and thought-provoking narrative that challenges the stereotypes perpetuated by traditional Westerns.