“Kevin Costner’s Horizon Flop and Chapter 2 Delay: Is Chapter 3 Still in the Works?”
Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” saga has experienced quite a tumultuous journey since the release of Chapter One in June. The initial film didn’t perform well at the box office, and Chapter Two’s release was pushed back from its original August 2024 date. With these setbacks, many are questioning the future of the franchise, particularly Chapter 3. Costner has now provided some insight into whether the third installment will actually come to fruition.
Previously, Costner had shared optimistic plans about Chapters 3 and 4, mentioning that filming for the third installment had already begun and expressing his hope to shoot both parts consecutively in the spring. However, during the Venice International Film Festival premiere of Horizon 2, Costner revealed a heightened sense of urgency regarding the completion of Chapter 3:
“I have to hurry and not let the rock fall back downhill. I’ve gotta go put my hands on it again and start to push it up. It’s a rope that I cannot let go of. I don’t know how I’m gonna make 3 right now, but I’m gonna make it.”
Entertainment Weekly reports that Costner was “visibly emotional” when discussing these plans, reflecting the personal stakes he has invested in this project. The actor conceived the idea for this saga in 1988 and has invested $38 million of his own money into the four-part series. Costner has been deeply protective of this venture, insisting that Chapter One be released in theaters rather than on streaming platforms.
Despite the underwhelming performance of Chapter One at the box office—earning $36.1 million worldwide against a $50 million budget—and mixed critical reception, Costner remains undeterred. He recognizes that many classic films began as box office failures and continues to believe in the potential of his Western saga. Although the release strategy for the movies has been adjusted, with Chapter Two’s date being moved, Costner remains committed to his vision.
Costner speculates that the delay of Chapter Two might be linked to the disappointing financial returns of Chapter One. Critics were divided, with some describing the film as an “all-out cinematic experience” while others labeled it an “incoherent disaster.” Nevertheless, Costner’s resolve seems unshaken. He expresses a heightened determination to push through the obstacles and bring the story to its intended conclusion:
“Sometimes when things don’t come to us easily, we want to just step away. There’s something in me that it only increases my desire when something is not working. Especially in my own mind, I’ve satisfied myself that it’s a story, a piece of entertainment that can stand the test of time. So when I feel rejection, I’m like anybody else. But when I open my eyes from my disappointment, my desire has only increased. So that’s how I’ve driven myself.”
While the fate of Horizon: Chapter 3 remains uncertain, Costner’s latest statements indicate a strong commitment to seeing the project through. Whether he and Warner Bros. will successfully complete the series is yet to be seen, but Costner’s perseverance is evident.
Horizon: Chapter One is available for streaming with a Max subscription. Stay tuned for updates on Chapter Two and the other upcoming sequels.
