As We Await Costner’s Western Sequel, A New Thriller Steals the Spotlight
Kevin Costner Shifts Gears with a New Thriller After Horizon Setback
Kevin Costner, the seasoned actor and director, has long been passionate about his dream project: Horizon, a sweeping Western saga exploring the expansion of the American frontier. Envisioned as a multi-part film series, Costner planned to both direct and star in each installment. Even before Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 hit theaters, Chapter 2 was already on the release calendar, with Costner hinting at even more sequels to follow.
However, those plans hit a major roadblock when Chapter 1 underperformed at the box office, earning only $38.8 million globally against a reported $100 million budget. In response, the second chapter was pulled from the release schedule, casting serious doubt on the future of the Horizon series. While the first film found a second life on streaming platforms, Chapter 2 remains without a confirmed release date.
Despite the setback, Costner hasn’t stepped away from filmmaking. Instead, he’s turning his attention to a different kind of project — one that promises to take him far from the Western genre.
Costner’s Next Role Is a High-Stakes Thriller Called Headhunters
Costner’s only upcoming non-Horizon film is Headhunters, an adventure thriller that will give him a chance to stretch his acting chops in a very different direction. In the film, he plays Lazer, an expat who leads a group of surfers to a remote island rumored to have the perfect waves. But their paradise quickly turns into a nightmare when a group of native headhunters rise to defend their sacred land.
The film is directed by Steven Holleran, who co-wrote the script alongside Costner. The cast includes Chloe East, Daniel Zovatto, Sam Corlett, and Evan Mock. Headhunters is expected to be released in 2026, though a specific date hasn’t been announced.
For Costner, who’s spent the last several years immersed in Western roles like Yellowstone and Horizon, Headhunters represents a dramatic shift — and an opportunity to showcase a different side of his talent.
Is There Still Hope for Horizon?
While Costner is focused on Headhunters for now, questions remain about the fate of his beloved Horizon saga. With Chapter 2 still in limbo and the production reportedly facing legal and financial hurdles, the future looks uncertain. Costner remains passionate about completing the series, but it may take a significant revival in interest — or funding — to bring the full vision to life.
