Cayden’s graduation was meant to be a moment of celebration but the body language between his parents seemed to hint at lingering tension.
Kevin Costner and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner, appeared distant on Friday, June 13, as they marked a milestone in their son Cayden’s life, his high school graduation. As photos from the event made their way online, fans flooded social media with a mix of admiration, concern, and speculation.
Despite showing up for the occasion, the former couple made no effort to interact, choosing instead to sit on opposite sides of the school’s field during the ceremony. Costner opted for a light and polished look, wearing white pants and a tan jacket, while Baumgartner wore a brown floral silk dress paired with a white shawl.
Both posed for photos with Cayden, though at separate times, highlighting the continued divide in their relationship. Still, the moment wasn’t without warmth — Cayden, dressed in bright green graduation robes, was seen with his father in a touching shot, the two standing shoulder to shoulder with arms wrapped around each other.
The family’s appearance at Cayden’s graduation sparked a wave of online reactions, with fans weighing in on everything from his looks to the dynamic between his parents.
One viewer couldn’t help but point out, “His son looks like Jude law in the face,” while another person echoed, “Wow when I first looked at the picture I thought his son was Jude Law!”
Kevin and Cayden Wyatt Costner attend the red carpet of the movie “Horizon: an American Saga'”(Chapter 2) during the 81st International Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido, on September 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Other people expressed sympathy for Cayden amid the family dynamics. “Oh wow! Good parenting! What a Disgrace,” one critic remarked bluntly. Another fan observed, “Always the kids who suffer.”
Others felt the emotional weight of the moment was written all over Cayden’s expression. “The kids face, clearly he’s uncomfortable,” one user commented. Someone else with a similar sentiment wrote, “The hurt in his face is so visible. Shame parents couldn’t be mature enough to put their son’s happiness before their own.”
Kevin and Cayden Wyatt Costner attend the red carpet of the movie “Horizon: an American Saga'”(Chapter 2) during the 81st International Venice Film Festival at Venice Lido, on September 7, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Not all the responses were critical, though. One comment speculated, “They didn’t want to steal the limelight from their son 💖.” Appreciation for the family still made its way into the conversation, with one admirer simply stating, “Handsome brood.”
And wrapping things up with a note of celebration, a supporter wrote, “Congratulations! The son is the proud of his father ‼️‼️‼️”
Baumgartner filed for divorce from Costner in early 2023, setting off months of legal back-and-forth as she challenged parts of their 2004 prenuptial agreement.
The matter was settled by February 2024, with Costner agreeing to pay a $1 million lump sum as outlined in the prenup. He continues to provide approximately $63,000 a month in child support.
The exes share three children — Cayden, Hayes, and Grace — and despite their separation, the actor has remained committed to maintaining a strong bond with them.
Cayden, Kevin, and Hayes Costner with Christine Baumgartner and Grace Costner at the world premiere of “McFarland, USA,” in 2015 | Source: Getty Images
That dedication is especially evident in his relationship with Hayes, whom he worked with on “Horizon: An American Saga,” a project deeply personal to Costner. Hayes, who shares a name with one of the film’s characters, appears in the movie and spoke about the experience at its Los Angeles premiere.
“It was so fun, just working with my dad, I loved, and he just taught me everything and he was there directing me by [my] side, and it was just amazing to watch him direct because I’d never seen it before. I’ve only seen him act before,” divulged Hayes.
These words left Costner visibly moved, as he reacted to them with emotion, holding back his tears. “Horizon: An American Saga” hit theaters on June 28, 2024, and Costner reflected on the project as a deeply personal one.
The actor said he made the film for audiences in theatre, adding, “It’s the kind of movie I wish somebody made for me. Yeah, I’m kinda jealous that I won’t be seeing it with eyes that a lot of people will be looking at it.”
Father and son also made a memorable appearance at the Venice Film Festival, where they spent four days together — a trip that became more than just a promotional stop.
Speaking to Hollywood Authentic, Costner described it as a “perfect experience,” especially because it offered Hayes, a firsthand look at perseverance.
“He’s seen me labor over the course of this movie. For his entire life he’s known that I’ve talked about this thing. And then to see me not let go of the opportunity, and the hope of it, and to actually go out and make two of them – he was able to see the culmination of that,” shared Costner.
Hayes Costner, Alejandro Edda, Jena Malone, Georgia MacPhail, Sienna Miller, Kevin Costner, Wasé Chief, Luke Wilson, Ella Hunt, Abbey Lee Kershaw, and Isabelle Fuhrman attend the “Horizon: An American Saga” Red Carpet at the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, on May 19, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Hayes finally witnessed the payoff: a completed film met with a standing ovation. For Costner, the moment was about more than cinema, it was a chance to show his son what it means to hold onto a dream and see it through despite the challenges.
The road to “Horizon: An American Saga,” has been decades in the making because the actor first envisioned the saga in 1988. Additionally, his connection to it ran so deep as he explained,” So 15 years ago I named my son Hayes cos I couldn’t let go of it.”
Costner added, “And then all of a sudden I put him in the movie and he’d never acted before. I don’t automatically give parts to my children because I know how coveted this is and there’s young people who do anything to have a part on a movie. But I’m also a father and it was a part that wasn’t that long and I wanted him to be close to me.”
For Costner, the connection and journey captured everything he believes film should be: emotional, personal, and enduring.
