Shocking Twist: Kevin Costner Turns Down Offer to Cast Meghan Markle in New Film

In the world of Hollywood, where surprises and casting controversies are no strangers, a recent bombshell has rocked both fans and industry insiders.

The buzz surrounding actor Kevin Costner's reported rejection of talent agency WME's proposal to cast Meghan Markle in his upcoming film, Horizon, an American saga, has stirred up a storm of speculation.

Meghan Markle, who rose to international fame through her marriage to Prince Harry and subsequent exit from the British royal family, has been a hot topic in the entertainment realm.

With eager anticipation for her venture into acting and creative collaborations, rumors have been swirling around potential opportunities for the former royal.

Amidst this backdrop, WME approached Kevin Costner, known for his iconic roles in movies like Dances with Wolves and The Bodyguard, with an enticing offer to feature Markle in his new cinematic project, Horizon, an American saga.

The film, set in a dystopian future ravaged by climate change, has been shrouded in secrecy by Costner, who not only stars in it but also produces it.

However, much to the surprise of many, Costner declined the opportunity.

While the exact reasons for his decision remain undisclosed, speculations abound.

Some suggest that Costner may have had reservations about Markle's acting abilities, labeling her as a subpar performer.

Others speculate that concerns over potential controversies and negative publicity, given Markle's tumultuous relationship with the British media, might have influenced his choice.

The departure of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from their royal duties in the UK to pursue a new life seemed like a fresh start filled with endless possibilities.

Establishing their production company, Archwall Productions, named after their son Archie, the couple appeared poised for success in the entertainment industry.

Despite their fame, connections, and background in showbiz, Archwall Productions has faced setbacks, with The Hollywood Reporter even dubbing them as one of Hollywood's biggest disappointments in 2023.

Building a successful production company requires collaboration and expertise, especially for newcomers like Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

PR expert Mark Bukowski, speaking to The Wrap, points out that the couple's reluctance to seek guidance and their insistence on maintaining complete control have strained their relationships in Hollywood.

Despite being compared to influential figures like the Obamas, the Sussexes have faced challenges in working harmoniously with industry partners.

Since its inception in 2020, Archwall Productions has undergone significant changes.

Meghan's animated series Pearl, initially part of their Netflix deal, was axed in 2022.

The fallout of their $20 million podcast agreement with Spotify in 2023, marked by a Spotify executive's scathing remarks, further highlights the couple's struggles in the entertainment business.

While their Harry and Meghan docuseries on Netflix has seen success, their broader ventures in audio and video production have yet to take off.

Streaming platforms have shown faith in their popularity, but the lack of substantial achievements can be attributed to their reluctance to collaborate with others.

Insiders familiar with Harry and Meghan's work dynamics describe a challenging and controlling approach driven by a desire for absolute autonomy.

The couple's tendency to micromanage creative decisions has led to a revolving door of personnel at Archwall Productions, with key figures like Mandana Dayani, the former president, exiting after a brief stint.