Academy Award winner Kevin Costner was in Israel this week for the pre-premiere screening of his new film, Criminal, co-starring Israeli actress Gal Gadot and directed by Tel Aviv’s Ariel Vromen.

“This time I’m here [in Israel] to support Ariel [Vromen]….This is his country, his parents are here, and I’m very proud of him. He’s a young man who is truly doing well,” Costner told reporters at the screening at the cinema complex in Glilot, just outside of Tel Aviv.

Vromen is best known for directing the 2012 American film, The Iceman. Israeli-American Avi Lerner was the executive producer for Criminal.

Costner stars alongside Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Alice Eve, Scott Adkins, Antje Traue, Michael Pitt and Gadot in Criminal – a thriller about a death-row inmate implanted with the memories and skills of deceased CIA agent in the hope that he will be able to prevent a hellish plot that could cost many lives.

Asked about Gadot, who can also be seen in Batman v Superman, Costner said she was “lovely” to work with and “a wonderful partner.”

According to Yediot Aharonot, Costner requested an array of Israeli snacks and Golan wines during his stay here.

Costner was also asked by reporters about his decision to attend the pre-premiere screening in Israel. “I don’t ask anyone’s permission to travel. I’ve received lots of love here. I wouldn’t have missed that,” he said.

Criminal opens in theaters on April 15, 2016.