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Kevin Costner to Explore the Legacy of National Parks in New Docu-Series

Kevin Costner is set to embark on a new journey that pays homage to America’s natural heritage. The actor, known for his profound connection to stories surrounding the American landscape, will present a docu-series titled Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner. This series will commemorate the rich history of the National Parks, previewing events that led to their establishment.

Following his previous docu-series on the National Park, appropriately named Yellowstone: One-Fifty, the upcoming series will retrace the historic 1903 expedition led by President Teddy Roosevelt and the environmental pioneer John Muir. This expedition is widely recognized as a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for the National Parks system and initiated widespread conservation efforts in the U.S.

The inaugural episode is scheduled to premiere on February 8, 2025, as part of Fox Nation’s “America 250” campaign, a celebration tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Subsequent episodes will be released weekly, offering viewers a deeper understanding of America’s vast wilderness and its historical significance (per Variety).

Exploring America’s Historical Legacy in the Docu-Series

The official description of the series underscores Costner’s exploration of the deep Indigenous American heritage of the region, the coincidental arrival of settlers in the 1850s, and the evolution of John Muir as a fierce advocate for conservation. Through Costner’s eyes, viewers will gain insight into Muir’s challenges against the backdrop of resource management politics and Roosevelt’s influential role in shaping the National Park System. This venture led to the creation of 150 National Forests, five National Parks, and the conservation of 230 million acres of land.

Celebrating Teddy Roosevelt’s Legacy

Roosevelt’s 1903 camping trip is often seen as remarkable in today’s context, where modern presidents typically do not undertake such adventurous excursions without extensive security. Accompanied primarily by naturalist John Burroughs and a small group, Roosevelt experienced the wilderness firsthand, relating numerous captivating stories from his journey that are still referenced today.

In remarks regarding the project, Costner expressed his enthusiasm: “Occasionally, a story surfaces that uniquely combines astonishing elements; it’s more extraordinary than fiction, defying the odds and resulting in significant positive change that genuinely took place. The narrative of President Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir’s camping adventure in Yosemite belongs to this beloved category, and I look forward to highlighting the ongoing journey of American wilderness preservation.”

Costner’s production company, Territory Films, alongside Warm Springs Productions, is behind the project, with Rod Lake and Marc Pierce also serving as executive producers. Fox Nation president Lauren Petterson remarked on Costner’s talent for narrating the American narrative, stating, “There is no filmmaker who captures the essence of America’s spirit leading into ‘America 250’ as effectively as Costner.”

Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner is poised to launch on February 8, 2025, exclusively on Fox Nation, inviting audiences to revisit the historical milestones that shaped America’s national treasures.

Source
movieweb.com