Kevin Costner constructing 500-acre film studio in St. George

The facility will house two sound studios, a production warehouse, office space and a 'Costner-themed' restaurant

ST. GEORGE, Utah — Kevin Costner is in the process of constructing Territory Film Studios, a 150,000+ square-foot facility, as part of a collaboration with Development Solutions Group, Inc. and Brett Burgess. The project, valued at $40 million, aims to bolster the local film and performing arts scene.

Situated near the St. George Regional Airport, the studio will encompass a 500-acre industrial complex. The facility is designed to house two sound studios, a production warehouse and office space. There will also be a “Costner-themed” restaurant.

The development was officially announced during Mayor Michele Randall’s State of the City address on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The initiative has been hailed as a “massive addition to the performing arts industry” in St. George by real estate professional Macrae Heppler.

Costner’s decision to build the studio in St. George was inspired by the challenges he faced while filming “Horizon: An American Saga” in the area, particularly the difficulty of finding suitable locations for interior scenes. The film, which chronicles the 15-year period of pre-and post-Civil War expansion in the American West, is set to premiere on June 28.

The introduction of Territory Studios is expected to significantly impact the local economy and the film industry in Utah. Joyce Kelly, sales manager for the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office, expressed optimism that the studio would provide valuable opportunities for the 4,000 film students currently enrolled in higher education across the state. The goal is to retain local talent by offering sustainable employment opportunities within the film industry.

This venture marks another chapter in Costner’s relationship with Utah, having previously filmed parts of the hit show “Yellowstone” in Park City at Utah Film Studios, as well as other parts of Utah.

The trailer for “Horizon: An American Saga” dropped today (watch below).