Hollywood legend Kevin Costner is reportedly in early talks to take on one of his most significant roles yet: portraying former US President Bill Clinton in a new television series. The 70-year-old Yellowstone star is being considered for the part of the 79-year-old former Commander-in-Chief in the political drama United, according to industry insiders.
Production Details and Casting News
The series, which remains in early development stages, will be produced in collaboration with the United Nations. Variety broke the news on Wednesday, revealing that Night Hunter director David Raymond will write and direct the project. The show promises to tell true stories of heroism and perseverance by humanitarians working to create a better world.
In addition to his potential starring role, Oscar winner Costner will reportedly serve as an executive producer alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Meanwhile, Deadline reports that Chukwudi Iwuji is in negotiations to play UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in the series.
Costner's History with Historical Figures
This wouldn't be the first time Costner has stepped into the shoes of real-life figures. The acclaimed actor previously portrayed Eliot Ness in The Untouchables (1987) and Jim Garrison in JFK (1991), demonstrating his capability with biographical roles.
United will be produced by Appian Way, Onwards Studios, and Prime Focus DNEG, with filming scheduled to take place in Atlanta and Spain next year.
Bill Clinton's Complicated Legacy
Clinton served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. His presidency was marked by significant achievement and scandal. In 1998, he became the second president in US history to be impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. He was later acquitted by the Senate and completed his term.
More recently, the former President has faced health concerns. In August, he and wife Hillary Clinton – the former Secretary of State – were spotted leaving the Hamptons with a defibrillator. Clinton has a history of heart issues, having suffered a heart attack that required bypass surgery in 2004.
The Clintons have also made headlines after being subpoenaed by House Republicans to testify about Bill Clinton's connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In his memoir released last year, Clinton admitted to flying on Epstein's private jet but claimed ignorance of his crimes and expressed regret for their association.
Meanwhile, Costner remains in the spotlight for his professional work and legal matters. He recently directed, co-wrote, produced and starred in Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1. His performance as Montana rancher John Dutton in Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series before his departure during Season 5.
The actor is currently involved in legal proceedings with stuntwoman Devyn LaBella over an alleged unscripted rape scene filmed for his Western film, Horizon. Costner's legal team maintains the scene was scripted and involved no nudity or simulated sex.
