Kevin Costner Embarks on Major Career Venture Following Divorce from Christine Baumgartner
Kevin Costner recently concluded his divorce proceedings with Christine Baumgartner, and he’s already embarking on an exciting new venture in his career. At 69, the acclaimed actor is set to infuse a touch of Hollywood allure into Utah’s mountainous landscape.
Costner’s upcoming project involves the creation of a state-of-the-art film studio in St. George, located in Utah’s southern region. Dubbed Territory Film Studios, the facility is poised to offer “70,000 square feet of sound stages, 51,000 square feet of production warehouses, and nearly 32,000 square feet of production offices,” as reported by Fox News Digital. St. George Mayor Michele Randall has indicated that construction is expected to commence by “spring or summer,” with plans to expedite the development process.
The choice of Utah for this venture isn’t coincidental. Costner has been actively shooting his anticipated four-part drama series, “Horizon: An American Saga,” in the vicinity. Joyce Kelly, from the Greater Zion Tourism Office, praised the upcoming studio for its exceptional location and accessibility from major cities like LA and Las Vegas, alongside its stunning natural backdrops. She anticipates it will be a “fantastic studio” that offers filmmakers from around the globe an unparalleled production experience, while also generating significant employment opportunities in the entertainment sector beyond California’s pricier locales.
Costner is not alone in his efforts to decentralize Hollywood’s geographical dominance. Mark Wahlberg has also engaged with Nevada’s legislators, aiming to attract more filmmaking activities to his new home state. Speaking to CNBC in 2023, Wahlberg expressed his desire to see the construction of new studios and job creation, thereby diversifying the economy. His vision includes the establishment of two film studios — one in Las Vegas within the University of Nevada’s technology park and another in Summerlin.
Although Costner’s initiative may not be the first of its kind, it underscores a growing trend: California is no longer the sole hub for cinematic production, opening up new horizons for the film industry across the United States.
