Kevin Costner and Leonardo DiCaprio are reportedly in final negotiations to be part of a groundbreaking new TV show, United. Costner is eyeing the role of former President Bill Clinton, while DiCaprio, along with Costner, will executive-produce the project, which has the unique backing of the United Nations itself.
Kevin Costner in talks for Bill Clinton role in new TV show
Kevin Costner is in negotiations to play Bill Clinton in United, a TV drama executive-produced by Costner and Leonardo DiCaprio, according to Deadline. The series, developed in collaboration with the United Nations, will explore the true stories of humanitarian efforts, beginning with the UN’s 1999 mission in East Timor. Deadline’s sources claim Chukwudi Iwuji is also being eyed to star as former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The first season will likely center on the UN Mission in East Timor (UNAMET), created to oversee a 1999 independence referendum following decades of violence and political repression.
Once a Portuguese colony, East Timor was annexed by Indonesia in 1975, triggering years of military and humanitarian crises. By the late 1990s, political shifts allowed the UN to organize a vote that saw overwhelming support for independence despite threats from pro-Indonesia militias.
Following the referendum, violent reprisals destroyed infrastructure and resulted in at least 1,400 deaths. With Indonesia unable to control the violence, the UN stepped in with the Australian-led International Force East Timor and later guided the region toward sovereignty, which it achieved in 2002. President Clinton played an important diplomatic role during the crisis, coordinating with international leaders to de-escalate tensions.
David Raymond, known for Night Hunter, will write and direct the series. Raymond has worked with the UN’s Creative Community Outreach Initiative since the tenure of former Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. His ongoing partnership with the UN focuses on unearthing stories that emphasize global cooperation and humanitarian sacrifice.
Production companies Appian Way, Onwards Studios, and Prime Focus DNEG will produce United, with filming expected to begin in 2026 in Atlanta and Spain. Fifth Season will handle global distribution.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu on ComingSoon.
