“Kevin Costner’s True Reaction to the Shift in Plans for Horizon: Chapter 2”
Kevin Costner has weathered his fair share of industry skepticism.
Before Field of Dreams hit theaters in 1989, Vanity Fair predicted that the film might “quickly disappear” due to its “curiously literary and undramatic” nature. Yet, millions of fans have made the pilgrimage to the Dyersville, Iowa, cornfield, proving the naysayers wrong.
“It was so dismissive, that Field of Dreams would fade immediately,” Costner told. “And we’re still celebrating it. Men and women, sons and daughters, it has stood the test of time and generations—and that’s how I approach my movies. That’s what I envision for Horizon.”
Known for taking risks, Costner has had his share of hits and misses. His debut as a director with Dances With Wolves was a monumental success, winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Director. In contrast, his long-awaited Horizon: An American Saga—a planned four-part narrative about Civil War-era westward migration, which led him to leave Yellowstone—faced its own share of skepticism before Chapter 1 was released in June.
Costner remains unfazed. “I’ve dealt with people being dismissive of me before,” he said. “But now Horizon is out of their hands. They might look at the box office numbers, but I believe this film will be appreciated for the next 50 years.”
Just as with Field of Dreams, Costner sees Horizon as more than just a western. “It’s a history of migration and survival, something I want future generations to understand. I’m really proud of it.”
The recent decision to delay Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2 from its planned August 16 release date and instead host its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 7 didn’t deter him. The shift aims to give audiences more time to discover Chapter 1.
“The Venice premiere was always part of my vision,” Costner shared. “Although I had hoped for a longer gap between releases—four to six months instead of six weeks—the studio saw an opportunity, and now it’s happening. It’s ironic, but one thing leads to another, and I’m pleased with the way it’s unfolding.”
