Kevin Costner is preparing to swap the windswept American West for the sun-drenched shores of Australia, as he joins Jake Gyllenhaal in the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios film, Honeymoon With Harry. Set to begin filming in April 2026, this emotional dramedy will be shot on location in Queensland, specifically in Brisbane and the stunning Whitsunday Islands—a region already celebrated for its cinematic backdrops and thriving film industry. The project marks a significant shift for Costner, whose recent endeavors have been dominated by his sprawling, yet troubled, Western epic Horizon: An American Saga.
According to Deadline and Variety, Honeymoon With Harry is adapted from Bart Baker’s novel of the same name. The film brings together a powerhouse creative team: directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, and screenwriter Dan Fogelman, whose previous collaborations include the hit film Crazy, Stupid, Love and the acclaimed TV series This Is Us. Mike Million is also credited as a screenwriter, and Sarah Pidgeon—known for I Know What You Did Last Summer—is in talks to join the cast. The production is supported by Gulfstream Pictures and Sullivan Street Productions, with industry veterans Mike Karz and Jennifer Salke producing alongside Fogelman.
The story, as described by Variety, centers on a free-spirited, impulsive man played by Gyllenhaal. His honeymoon is thrown into chaos by a devastating tragedy just two days before the wedding, forcing him to embark on an unexpected island journey with his fiancée’s guarded and difficult father, portrayed by Costner. What begins as a collision of personalities—marked by grief, resentment, and awkwardness—gradually transforms into an unlikely bond between two men who, on the surface, couldn’t be more different.
Directors Ficarra and Requa expressed their excitement about filming in Queensland, saying, “Queensland has everything we could hope for. We’re doing Chicago, the Caribbean and everything in between – all within a day’s reach. The crew are great and the weather’s even better.” Their enthusiasm is echoed by producer Mike Karz, who highlighted the creative synergy between the visiting Hollywood team and local Australian talent: “We’re having a great time collaborating with talented local creatives and crew to bring this story to life.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney emphasized the strategic importance of the project, noting, “We are delighted to be a trusted partner for Amazon MGM, with our local screen industry providing the high-quality expertise that they can rely on, while our competitive incentives enable them to capitalise on our captivating locations and first-class infrastructure.” The film is supported by the Australian Government through the Location Offset and by the Queensland Government via Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy. These incentives have made Queensland a magnet for major international productions, with Honeymoon With Harry joining a slate that includes Balls Up, The Bluff, Subversion, Voltron, and an untitled Mike Thornton project.
Queensland’s Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek, underscored the far-reaching economic impact of the production. “During production, Honeymoon With Harry will contribute an estimated $51 million to the state’s economy and employ 215 people, as well as showcasing our state as a tourism destination to audiences around the world.” The economic ripple effect is expected to extend well beyond the film sector, with benefits anticipated for construction, catering, transport, and accommodation industries. The production is estimated to generate AUD 51 million (approximately USD 35.6 million), according to Variety and AsiaOne.
For Kevin Costner, this new project comes at a pivotal moment. His passion project, Horizon: An American Saga, was envisioned as a four-part Western epic. Unfortunately, the first installment underperformed at the box office, and the fate of the remaining chapters is now uncertain. While Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 was completed and even premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, plans for a wide theatrical release were scrapped after the lukewarm response to Chapter 1. Some filming for Chapter 3 has taken place, but production has stalled due to financial difficulties, and Chapter 4 remains unshot. Costner, who invested significant personal funds into the saga, may be looking to projects like Honeymoon With Harry as a way to regain momentum and perhaps, eventually, return to his unfinished Western tale.
The film’s narrative promises a blend of humor, heartbreak, and redemption. Gyllenhaal’s character, rough around the edges and emotionally raw, finds himself marooned on a dream getaway that’s anything but. Costner’s role as the gruff, emotionally distant father-in-law sets the stage for a classic odd-couple dynamic, with both men forced to confront their vulnerabilities and, ultimately, find common ground. The tropical setting, doubling for locations as diverse as Chicago and the Caribbean, is expected to add both visual flair and emotional resonance to the story.
Sarah Pidgeon’s potential involvement adds another layer of interest, as she continues to build a reputation for nuanced performances in emotionally complex roles. While her casting has yet to be officially confirmed, industry sources suggest she is a strong contender for a key part in the film.
The journey to bring Honeymoon With Harry to the screen has been a long one. A previous attempt to adapt Bart Baker’s novel was made back in 2010, with Jonathan Demme attached as director and Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper slated to star. That version never materialized, making the current production all the more noteworthy for finally realizing the story’s cinematic potential.
As the cameras prepare to roll in Queensland, expectations are high—not just for the on-screen chemistry between Costner and Gyllenhaal, but for the broader cultural and economic impact of the film. The project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of character-driven stories, the global reach of contemporary filmmaking, and the ability of seasoned stars to reinvent themselves in new and surprising roles.
With a projected release date likely in late 2027, Honeymoon With Harry is poised to offer audiences a heartfelt, visually striking tale of grief, reconciliation, and unexpected friendship—set against the breathtaking backdrop of Australia’s tropical north.