Kevin Costner is ready to ride the waves of a new adventure as he sets his sights on his upcoming surf thriller, Headhunters. Exclusive sources tell Closer that Costner has already begun his journey into the surf world, hiring instructors to help him master the art of hanging ten.
Here's the inside scoop: Kevin's not just dabbling in this new project—he's fully committed. “Kevin’s diving headfirst into the surf scene because of this new movie,” says an insider. “He’s got a trainer and he’s out there catching those early waves, channeling his inner Baywatch vibe. It’s clear he’s ready to embrace this role with everything he’s got.”
Costner's Latest Role: A Surfer with Heart
Headhunters, starring the 69-year-old Costner—who also cowrote and produced the film—will be directed by Steven Holleran, based on an idea Holleran originally pitched. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film is described as a unique blend of the adrenaline-pumping energy of surf culture mixed with the suspense of a horror flick.
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In the movie, Kevin will play Lazer, a washed-up American expat who now calls Bali, Indonesia, home. Lazer recruits a group of surfers for an epic journey to a mysterious, uncharted island. It’s a story that combines adventure, mystery, and a deep dive into the world of surfing.
Pre-Production Starts in Hawaii
The film is currently in the pre-production phase in Hawaii, with plans to start filming in November. According to sources close to Costner, he’s taking a method approach to this role. For those who don’t know, the method acting technique involves actors using their own experiences and memories to bring authenticity to their characters. Kevin is all about being as real as possible.

“This is how Kevin works,” explains the source. “He’s all about authenticity, but let’s be honest, he’s got a long way to go with his surfing skills. He’s not exactly a natural out there on the waves.”
Another insider adds, “The general feeling is that Kevin should stick to the calmer waters and let the stunt doubles handle the big waves. But hey, that’s just part of the process for him.”
A Lesson in Resilience
Kevin’s determination to succeed with Headhunters is fueled by the challenges he faced with his previous passion project, Horizon: An American Saga, which didn’t resonate with audiences as he had hoped. Despite being a decorated actor with two Academy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award, Costner found himself facing some tough criticism this time around.
One source revealed in June, “Kevin was warned by marketing execs that he might face backlash over this film, and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened. The critical response he received at Cannes was tough, but Kevin has bounced back before. Remember The Bodyguard? Critics didn’t get it at first, but it went on to become a massive hit.”
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It’s clear that Kevin feels unsupported by the film industry on this ambitious project, facing naysayers at every turn. “It’s frustrating for him because he’s given so much to Hollywood, especially to the Western genre. He feels like he’s not getting the backing he deserves,” the source continued.
Still, Kevin remains optimistic. “He’s a man of faith and hope. Even if the industry isn’t fully behind him, he’s proven time and again that following his instincts and sticking to his principles can lead to great success. He’s had his fair share of flops, but his biggest hits often started out underestimated,” the source concluded.
