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Kevin Costner to star in History channel’s ‘The Hatfields and McCoys’

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Call it ‘Field of Feuds.’

Kevin Costner will star in ‘The Hatfields and McCoys,’ a new miniseries from cable’s History network that will retell the story of the feuding families from the late 19th century American South.

The miniseries, eyed for a 2012 premiere, will be produced by Leslie Greif, best known as a co-creator of ‘Walker, Texas Ranger.’

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A spillover from the American Civil War, the Hatfield-McCoy feud started in 1865 after a member of the McCoy family, which mainly fought for the Union, was murdered by a band of ex-Confederates that was said to include ‘Devil’ Anse Hatfield, whom Costner will portray. (Historians now believe that Devil Hatfield in fact was home ill when the murder took place.) The killing touched off a 25-year feud that led to gruesome revenge killings and eventually involved the U.S. Supreme Court.

‘Everyone knows the legend of the Hatfields-McCoy feud, but few know the true story of what occurred to make the two families become mortal enemies,’ Costner said in a statement. ‘As an avid history fan, I am thrilled to join with Leslie Greif and History in this dramatic retelling of a classic and timeless tale that is forever immersed in the folklore of our country.’

No word on whether Costner will rock the chest-length beard that Devil Hatfield wore during his life.

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-- Scott Collins

Twitter.com/scottcollinsLAT

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