Kevin Costner made a strong appearance at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 9, 2025, attending the premiere of *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2*. 

The 70-year-old actor, who is best known for his role in *Yellowstone*, was joined by three of his children – Cayden, 17, Hayes, 15, and Grace, 14 – at the event. 

His ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, 50, had recently made headlines after her engagement to Josh Connor, a former friend of Costner’s, was revealed. 

This news came just a week before the festival, and reports suggest that Costner felt betrayed by the turn of events.

Despite the emotional backdrop, Costner seemed in high spirits at the film festival, where he proudly posed with his children for photos. 

The actor was dressed to impress, sporting a dark three-piece suit paired with a crisp white shirt. 

His children, all of whom he shares with Baumgartner, looked equally stylish. Hayes wore a black button-up shirt with white sneakers, while Cayden sported a long-sleeve grey top and black jeans. Grace, his youngest, wore a chic floral dress and beige sandals, adding a touch of elegance to the family appearance.

The timing of the event was noteworthy, considering the recent developments in Costner’s personal life. Just days earlier, news broke that Christine Baumgartner had accepted a proposal from Josh Connor. The couple had kept their romance relatively low-key until the engagement announcement. However, insiders report that Costner felt blindsided by the news, particularly since it was his children who informed him about the engagement. Sources close to the actor described him as feeling “sucker-punched” by the revelation, especially since he had regarded Connor as a friend.

The drama surrounding Costner’s personal life has unfolded against the backdrop of his professional journey. The second chapter of *Horizon: An American Saga*, a Western film series directed and starring Costner, is facing its own challenges. The first installment, released in June 2024, received criticism from both critics and audiences, which led to underwhelming box-office results. Despite Costner investing $38 million of his own money into the project, the sequel’s release was delayed indefinitely after its first part failed to ignite public interest.

*Horizon: Chapter 2* was initially scheduled for theatrical release on August 16, 2024, but instead of hitting theaters, the film’s production company, Territory Pictures, and its distribution partner New Line Cinema decided to release the first part through Premium Video On Demand (PVOD) and on MAX. Chapter 2’s future remains uncertain, and there has been no word on a new release date for the sequel.

In a candid interview, Costner reflected on his decision to produce the film series, acknowledging that the project had been a gamble. Despite its current struggles, the actor remains optimistic, expressing confidence that the films will eventually find their audience. He believes that movies have enduring value beyond their initial box office performance and emphasized his commitment to the long-term legacy of *Horizon*. Costner described his investment in the saga as something that will stay in his family for years to come, regardless of its commercial success.

Outside of work, Costner is focused on his children and maintaining a positive relationship with them. Sources close to the actor revealed that his kids are a central part of his life, especially after the challenges surrounding his divorce from Baumgartner in May 2023. The couple’s split was reportedly acrimonious, and Baumgartner has since begun a relationship with Connor. She had previously filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and the legal battle included disputes over child support and alimony. Baumgartner’s engagement to Connor came after a tumultuous period, which reportedly left Costner feeling deeply hurt.

While Costner is currently not focused on dating, he has expressed that he remains open to the possibility if the right person comes along. For now, his main priority is his family and his ongoing film projects. Costner and Baumgartner’s three children, whom he shares with his ex-wife, seem to be a steady source of support during this emotional period.

In the meantime, Costner continues to work on the *Horizon* saga, with Chapter 3 already in production. Chapter 4 is also in the works, promising more action and drama for fans of Costner’s epic Western. As the personal and professional worlds of Kevin Costner remain in the spotlight, his focus on his children and his film career remains unwavering.

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