Kevin Costner’s Western Saga “Horizon” Faces Setback as Theatrical Release of Chapter 2 is Canceled

An Audacious Experiment Gone Awry: Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” Saga

Kevin Costner’s ambitious endeavor to release his Western saga, “Horizon,” has hit a major roadblock. The initial plan was to release the first chapter of the saga in theaters across the country on June 28, with the second chapter following six weeks later. However, due to disappointing box office returns, the release of “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2” has been canceled.

The first chapter of “Horizon,” which Costner directed, starred in, co-wrote, and partly financed, had a production budget of $100 million. Unfortunately, it only managed to earn $11 million during its opening weekend and has only generated $22.6 million overall. With such lackluster numbers, New Line Cinema, a subsidiary of Warner Bros., made the decision to scrap the theatrical release of the second chapter, which was scheduled for August 16.

In light of these circumstances, New Line Cinema announced that “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1” will be available via premium video on demand starting Tuesday. This move aims to give audiences a better opportunity to discover the first installment of “Horizon” in the coming weeks. Additionally, the film will eventually be available on Max, the streaming service from Warner Bros. Discovery, although no specific date has been set for this release. As for the fate of the second chapter, it remains uncertain when and how it will be made available to the public.

Kevin Costner, who invested $38 million of his own money into the project and even left his lead role in the popular television show “Yellowstone” due to scheduling conflicts with “Horizon,” has chosen to remain silent on the matter. Nevertheless, his production company, Territory Pictures, issued a statement expressing gratitude for the support received from film fans and theater owners who embarked on this journey with them. They also welcomed the opportunity to expand the film’s release window, believing it will enhance the overall experience of seeing “Horizon 2.”

The struggles faced by “Horizon” highlight the challenges of bringing a large-scale, multi-chapter film project to fruition. Costner’s audacious experiment to release the first two chapters of the saga simultaneously may have backfired, as it failed to resonate with audiences at the box office. This turn of events serves as a reminder that even established actors and directors face risks and uncertainties in the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry.

While Costner’s vision for “Horizon” was undoubtedly ambitious, it is important to acknowledge the financial implications and potential consequences of such undertakings. The disappointment surrounding the first chapter’s box office performance emphasizes the need for careful planning and market research when embarking on grand cinematic projects. The fate of the remaining chapters of “Horizon” hangs in the balance, leaving fans and industry insiders curious about whether this saga will ever reach its intended conclusion.