“Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Release Date on Max Rescheduled”
Kevin Costner’s period Western, Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1, now has a streaming release date. The first chapter of the former Yellowstone star’s ambitious film saga will be available on Max starting August 23.
After disappointing box office results — Chapter 1, which runs three hours and one minute, grossed just $11 million during its June 28-30 opening weekend — Costner’s Territory Pictures and distribution partner New Line Cinema decided to delay the release of Horizon: Chapter 2. Initially set for an August 16 theater release, the second installment will now be held back to allow more time for audiences to discover Chapter 1 on Premium VOD and Max. The first film was released on Premium VOD on July 16, though a Max streaming date was not previously announced. This adjustment in the release strategy aims to grow the audience for the $100 million film.
“The audience response to Horizon, and the excitement for Horizon 2, has been incredibly rewarding,” said Territory Pictures in a statement. “Kevin created this film for movie lovers and those eager to embark on a journey. The support from film fans and theater owners reinforces our belief in the films we’ve made and the audience we’re building. We appreciate their enthusiasm and look forward to expanding this experience with Horizon 2.”
Kevin Costner, who co-wrote, co-directed, produced, and stars in Horizon, left his role in Yellowstone—where he earned $1.3 million per episode—to focus on this multi-part project. He has invested a substantial personal amount into the film, estimating his contribution at $38 million, and potentially over $50 million.
New Line and Warner Bros. are distributing and marketing the first two films, with Costner covering the marketing costs. Costner plans to make four films in total. Although he intended to begin shooting Chapter 3 in August, that has not yet occurred. Horizon: Chapter 2 also carries a production cost of approximately $100 million.
Horizon is described as a grand cinematic adventure in the tradition of Warner Bros. Pictures’ iconic Westerns. It explores the Old West’s allure and its impact through the Civil War years, from 1861 to 1865, showcasing the struggles and journeys of various characters as they navigate a nation in turmoil.
The film features an ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Abbey Lee, Will Patton, Jena Malone, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Jeff Fahey, Isabelle Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, David O’Hara, Owen Crow Shoe, Tatanka Means, Tim Guinee, Scott Haze, Tom Payne, Alejandro Edda, James Russo, Jon Beavers, Jaime Campbell Bower, and Michael Angarano.
Produced by Costner, Howard Kaplan, and Mark Gillard, and with executive producers Danny Peykoff, Robert Scannell, Armyan Bernstein, Charlie Lyons, Barry Berg, and Rod Lake, the film’s screenplay was written by Costner and Baird, with the story by Baird, Costner, and Kasdan.
