“Kevin Costner on Why Some Movies Take Time to Connect and His Dedication to ‘Horizon'”
Kevin Costner relaxes at home in California, dressed casually in a white short-sleeve shirt with a cup of coffee on the counter. After an exhausting 18-hour flight from Europe, he’s back in the States and starts his day with his “little daily habit” of enjoying a morning coffee. While he doesn’t drink much coffee, he says missing that one cup can make him feel “a little bit off center.”
At 69, Costner is busier than ever. He recently returned from the Magna Graecia Film Festival in Italy and is actively promoting his long-time passion project, “Horizon: An American Saga.” Alongside this, he’s collaborated with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters and is gearing up to film the third and fourth installments of his Western series.
Despite a tight schedule, Costner’s enthusiasm for “Horizon” is palpable. He discusses the saga’s future with genuine interest, reflecting on the milestone of his upcoming 70th birthday and sharing a hearty laugh when asked about coffee dates.
A Promise to “Horizon”
Costner is determined to see “Horizon” through despite mixed initial reception. The first film, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” debuted on June 28 with disappointing box office results. The release of “Chapter 2,” originally set for August 16, was postponed, though the film will now be showcased at the Venice Film Festival in September—a development Costner describes as “a beautiful surprise.”
“This has been the hardest project I’ve ever worked on, but I love this movie,” Costner says. “I’m committed to seeing it through, even though the journey has been challenging. I made a promise to myself to bring these epic stories to life and I hope people will connect with these characters.”
The Venice Film Festival’s inclusion of the film, he notes, highlights the trust placed in his work. Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, praised the film as “a heartfelt and respectful tribute to the visionary project of a great actor and director.”
Costner reflects on past successes like “Field of Dreams” and “Dances With Wolves,” noting that sometimes it takes time for audiences to fully appreciate a film. “A lot of times, the things you create don’t immediately resonate,” he observes. “It’s only after the fact that people start to understand and embrace the story.”
For those who missed the first chapter in theaters, it will be available for streaming on Max starting August 23. Costner plans to continue working on the third and fourth films, with hopes to shoot them back-to-back next spring.
Celebrating a Remarkable Life
As he approaches his 70th birthday in January, Costner reflects on his extraordinary life with gratitude. An Oscar winner, musician, and devoted father to seven children, he acknowledges the richness of his experiences.
“I’ve had an unusual life, being able to act, direct, write, and more,” Costner says. “I’m not sure what to say about turning 70, except that I want to spend it with the people I love. That’s all that really matters. I’m taking care of myself because I’d like to live forever—I’ve had a great life.”
