Positive News at Last for Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Sequel Following Months of Delay
Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga franchise has faced a challenging journey so far. The first chapter hit theaters last June but was met with mixed reviews and disappointing box office numbers, leading to the unexpected removal of Chapter 2 from its planned August 2024 release. However, the film’s growing popularity on streaming platforms has sparked renewed hope that the sequel might still get a theatrical release.
While the fate of Horizon Chapter 2 remains uncertain, Costner — who serves as actor, writer, and director — has already shifted focus to filming the third installment of this ambitious four-part saga. To date, only a select group of critics at film festivals have had the chance to see Chapter 2, leaving fans eager but still waiting for wider access.
Recently, star Danny Huston offered some much-needed optimism for fans during an interview with Screen Rant while promoting his film Consecration. Although Huston isn’t aware of when or if Chapter 2 will hit theaters, he revealed that production on Chapter 3 was well underway before being temporarily paused. “I think he’s got a lot of Chapter 3 in the can, actually,” Huston shared.
This is encouraging news for the franchise’s future — having much of Chapter 3 already filmed could make studios more willing to pick up the project and carry it forward. “But there’s no stopping him,” Huston said about Costner’s drive to complete all four films. “He’s just unbelievable, and this dream of his is coming to life in a spectacular way. It’s just extraordinary what he does.”
So, what’s the hold-up with Horizon? Getting the franchise back on track has proven as tough as settling the wild frontier town the series portrays. Chapter 1 remains stuck in a Hollywood gray zone — a box office disappointment but a streaming success. While that success sparked fan demand for a sequel, it hasn’t been enough to convince studios to move quickly.
Costner has shown his commitment by self-funding the series with more than $100 million of his own money, but distribution continues to be a major hurdle. Complicating matters further are three ongoing lawsuits involving Costner and the studios behind Horizon. Two relate to missed payments during production, and the third is a sexual harassment suit filed by a stunt performer over an unplanned se* scene in Chapter 2. These legal battles currently cast a long shadow over the sequel’s prospects.
Fans remain desperate for Chapter 2, hoping that festival screenings might attract a distributor willing to take it to theaters. For now, though, it looks like the wait will continue, with no clear answers on when—or if—Chapter 2 will see a wider release.
