High Stakes, Low Return: Costner’s Risky Move
Kevin Costner’s Latest Gamble: A Risky Bet on a Western Saga
Hollywood icon Kevin Costner, boasting an estimated fortune of $250 million, is no stranger to high-stakes projects. But his latest venture, a four-part Western film series titled Horizon: An American Saga, may put that fortune at risk.
Costner stars in and directs the series, pouring millions of his own money into this passion project. Yet, with the first film underperforming at the box office, the future of the franchise is now uncertain. Let’s take a look at the cost of this gamble and why it’s not the first time Costner’s personal investments have faced mixed outcomes.
A Legendary Career of Highs and Lows
Kevin Costner’s journey began in 1981 with small roles before his breakthrough in Field of Dreams (1989). His career soared with Dances with Wolves (1990), which he produced, directed, and starred in. The film won seven Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture, and earned him $50 million thanks to a backend profit deal — a massive success adjusted to over $120 million today.
He followed up with Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), starring and producing, which grossed nearly $900 million today’s dollars. Though he later sued for profit disputes, the movie solidified his status.
In 1992, The Bodyguard, starring alongside Whitney Houston, was another box office triumph, grossing over $900 million in today’s terms.
The Dark Side of Big Bets
However, not every investment paid off. Waterworld (1995), with a colossal $235 million budget ($482 million today), faced costly production problems and mixed reviews, barely breaking even with $264 million gross.
The Postman (1997), which Costner also directed and funded partially, was a critical and financial disaster, earning just $20.8 million on an $80 million budget. It won multiple Golden Raspberry Awards, marking a sharp fall from his Oscar-winning days.
Career Resurgence and New Risks
Though Costner’s star dimmed by the 2000s, he found renewed success on TV as John Dutton in Yellowstone, becoming the highest-paid TV actor by 2022 at $1.3 million per episode. Yet, in a surprising move, he announced the fifth season would be his last to focus on Horizon: An American Saga.
Costner mortgaged a $50 million Santa Barbara property to fund the project, and estimates suggest he’ll spend close to $100 million across the four films. He openly acknowledged the risk, saying, “I’ll risk those homes to make my movies. I want to leave them to my children, but my children will have to live their own lives.”
Mixed Reception and Uncertain Future
At its Cannes premiere, Horizon received a 10-minute standing ovation, moving Costner to tears. Yet, critics have been divided, with the film holding a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Praised for its cinematography but criticized for its length and complex plotlines, audience reactions have been mixed, with some walking out during the lengthy screening.
The first film grossed a disappointing $38.2 million globally. The second installment’s release has been delayed indefinitely, casting doubt on the franchise’s continuation.
Conclusion: A Gamble on the Line
Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga is perhaps his most ambitious and costly project yet. But with box office results falling short and mixed reviews, this gamble may come at a steep financial price, potentially impacting not only his fortune but also his legacy.
