“Kevin Costner Explores Philosophy in Epic Western Premiering at Venice”
VENICE, Sept 7 (Reuters) – Kevin Costner attributes the delay in the release of the sequel to his Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga” to the disappointing box office performance of the first installment. However, he remains upbeat about the situation.
Costner, who both stars in and directs the film, sees the delay as an unexpected opportunity. Instead of a theatrical release in August, “Chapter 2” is now premiering at the Venice Film Festival, just four months after the initial film’s lukewarm reception at Cannes. “It didn’t achieve overwhelming success,” Costner admitted to reporters on Saturday.
The Venice Film Festival’s policy of not showcasing films that have already been released created an unexpected benefit. “It’s the miracle of life,” Costner said. “I had always planned to bring it to Venice, and suddenly, it has happened.”
The actor has partially self-financed the project, which portrays the struggles of settlers in the American West during the late 1800s. The saga is intended to unfold over four episodes, though Costner acknowledged challenges in completing the series. “I don’t know how I’m going to make Chapter 3 right now, but I’m going to do it,” he said, emphasizing that the setbacks have only reinforced his determination.
Costner, 69, shared his resilience in the face of rejection. “When I feel disappointment, I’m like anyone else,” he said. “But once I get past it, my desire only grows stronger. I need to act quickly to keep the momentum going.”
The “Horizon” series spans a 15-year period before and after the U.S. Civil War, focusing on the westward expansion of white settlers and the impact on American Indians. Costner’s previous Western work includes his Oscar-winning “Dances With Wolves” and the acclaimed TV series “Yellowstone.”
“Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” was screened out of competition on the final day of the Venice Film Festival.
