Kevin Costner Meets with Díaz-Canel in Havana

Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed renowned American actor, director, and producer Kevin Costner at the Palace of the Revolution on Monday. Costner is in Cuba with a keen interest in "underwater archaeology," as noted by the Cuban Presidency in a tweet aimed at distancing the meeting from any political implications.

This marks the second time the Oscar-winner has visited the island nation. His initial visit dates back to 2001 when he presented his film Thirteen Days, which depicts the 1962 missile crisis. During that visit, Costner had an extended meeting with Fidel Castro, which sparked some controversy due to the political situation in Cuba and its relations with the United States.

On this occasion, Costner explored the Museo Castillo de La Real Fuerza in Havana, showing particular interest in the museum's underwater archaeology collection. He was accompanied by Cuban underwater archaeologist Alejandro Mirabal as they toured the historic site and were greeted by Perla Rosales Aguirreurret, the deputy director of the Havana City Historian's Office.

Details about Costner's meeting with Díaz-Canel have not been disclosed beyond what the Cuban Presidency shared, which included a photo of the actor and the leader exchanging greetings. However, such meetings cannot be viewed in isolation. The Cuban regime has a long history of using visits from foreign celebrities as a tool for legitimization during times of tension. Amid a profound economic crisis, characterized by shortages of food and medicine and a massive exodus of Cubans, the presence of an international figure like Costner enables the government to project an image of cultural allure and normalcy.

The meeting with Díaz-Canel, although purportedly devoid of political intent, bolsters the strategy of portraying Cuba as a welcoming destination for foreign personalities who engage with state institutions. Yet, this narrative conveniently ignores the political repression and humanitarian crisis the Cuban population faces.

Unlike other celebrities who have visited Cuba and voiced their opinions on the country's realities, Costner has remained neutral, avoiding any statements that could be perceived as criticism of the regime. Nonetheless, his image may be leveraged by the government's propaganda machine to reinforce the notion that Cuba remains an attractive destination for international figures.

Costner's visit occurs at a time when U.S.-Cuba relations are at a standstill. After a brief thaw during Barack Obama's administration, the restrictions imposed by Donald Trump and largely upheld by Joe Biden have curtailed tourist flow and agreements between the two nations. In this context, the arrival of a Hollywood actor can be seen as an opportunity for the regime to demonstrate that it can still draw influential personalities from the United States, even as official relations remain strained.