Get an exclusive look at ‘Headhunters,’ the new Bali-set surf thriller co-written by and starring Kevin Costner, coming in 2026.
There is something uniquely magnetic about the intersection of the vast, unpredictable ocean and the shadows of a buried past. For those of you who have followed Kevin’s career from the sun-drenched waves of early projects to the rugged landscapes of Yellowstone, his latest endeavor, Headhunters, feels like a homecoming to the gritty, character-driven storytelling he loves most.
Currently slated for a 2026 release, Headhunters marks a thrilling departure into the exotic and the dangerous. Kevin stars as Lazer, a washed-up American expat living on the fringes of society in Bali, Indonesia. Lazer isn’t just a man looking for the perfect wave; he is a man haunted by a mysterious history, seeking solace in the tropical humidity and the rhythmic pulse of the Indian Ocean.
The project is a true labor of love, co-written by Kevin himself alongside talented filmmaker Steven Holleran, who also takes the director’s chair. Holleran, known for his incredible visual eye, is capturing the raw, visceral beauty of Indonesia, moving far beyond the postcard-perfect tourist traps to find the darker, more atmospheric corners of the islands.
The story kicks into high gear when Lazer assembles a group of thrill-seekers to find a “mythical” surf break on a remote island inhabited by an ancient tribe of headhunters. What begins as an adventure of a lifetime quickly devolves into a desperate fight for survival.
To bring this high-stakes world to life, Kevin is joined by a vibrant, talented ensemble cast. Chloe East (The Fabelmans) and Evan Mock (Gossip Girl) bring a modern energy to the screen, while Daniel Zovatto and Sam Corlett round out a group that promises intense chemistry. Seeing Kevin mentor this younger generation of actors on a set as demanding as a remote Indonesian jungle has been a highlight of the production.
Behind the scenes, the shoot has been as adventurous as the script itself. Filming in actual Indonesian locations has brought an undeniable authenticity to the project—from the salt air on the skin to the genuine tension of the dense tropical canopy. Kevin has always believed that the setting is a character in its own right, and in Headhunters, the landscape is as beautiful as it is lethal.
This isn’t just a surf movie; it’s a psychological thriller that explores how far a man will go to outrun his demons when there is nowhere left to hide. We can’t wait to share more glimpses from the set as Lazer’s journey unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates as we head toward 2026.