Go behind the scenes of ‘Headhunters’ (2026), Kevin Costner’s new surf thriller set in the mysterious and beautiful landscapes of Bali.
For decades, I’ve found that the most compelling stories often happen where the land meets the sea. There is a raw, unpredictable energy in the surf, and it’s that very spirit that drove me to dive headfirst into my latest project, Headhunters. Currently slated for a 2026 release, this film is something of a departure for me—a gritty, sun-soaked thriller set against the breathtaking but treacherous landscapes of Bali, Indonesia.
In Headhunters, I step into the boots of Lazer, a washed-up American expat and former surfer who has relocated to a tropical paradise to escape a past that refuses to stay buried. Lazer is a man of few words and many scars, living on the fringes of society until a group of thrill-seeking travelers arrives, led by a local photographer played by the talented Evan Mock. What begins as an adventurous quest for the perfect, untouched wave quickly spirals into a fight for survival as they stumble into an ancient tribal nightmare.
Writing this script alongside director Steven Holleran was a labor of love. Steven has a visionary eye for the ocean—having served as the cinematographer for Blue Bayou—and we wanted to capture the duality of the surf: its beauty and its violence. We aren’t just making a “beach movie”; we are crafting a psychological survival story that explores how far a man will go when his sanctuary is threatened.
The cast we’ve assembled is nothing short of electric. Joining Evan Mock are Chloe East (The Fabelmans), Daniel Zovatto, and Sam Corlett. Watching these young actors bring such intensity to the set has been an incredible experience. They represent the new blood of the industry, and their energy balances perfectly with the weary, guarded nature of my character, Lazer.
Filming in Indonesia has presented its own set of challenges and rewards. From navigating remote coastal terrain to respecting the deep cultural roots of the region, the production has been an immersive journey. We want the audience to feel the humidity, the salt air, and the creeping dread that comes when the sun goes down over the jungle.
At its heart, Headhunters is about a man who thought he had nothing left to lose, only to find he has a reason to fight one last time. It’s a story of redemption, hidden history, and the shadows that lurk behind a postcard-perfect horizon. I can’t wait for you all to see what we’ve been building out there in the waves.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey toward 2026. See you at the shore.