How Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’ Might Compound Kevin Costner’s Recent Setbacks
‘American Primeval’ Proves Westerns Still Work—Just Not the Way Kevin Costner Hoped
Kevin Costner once ruled the Western genre, but recent years have seen his status falter. After stepping away from his iconic role as John Dutton in Yellowstone, Costner pinned his hopes on Horizon: An American Saga, a sprawling four-part Western epic he personally financed. Unfortunately, the first installment flopped, earning just $38.7 million at the box office—well short of its $50 million budget.
Now, Netflix’s American Primeval has arrived to prove that Westerns can still capture an audience—just not Costner’s version of them.
Directed by Peter Berg and starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, American Primeval is a gritty six-part miniseries set during the Utah War, centering around the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The show has received widespread acclaim from both critics and viewers, who praised its powerful storytelling, brutal action, and immersive atmosphere. Many called it “award-worthy,” while others compared it favorably to Taylor Sheridan’s 1883. The praise underscores one painful reality: the Western genre is still alive—just not on Costner’s terms.
‘Horizon’ Failed Where ‘American Primeval’ Succeeded
Costner’s Horizon suffered from a bloated runtime and a story that felt incomplete. Rather than delivering a self-contained film, he opted for a 3-hour introduction to a larger 12-hour saga. While the ambition was admirable, audiences were left confused and underwhelmed. Critics noted that the movie lacked narrative payoff and failed to establish a compelling character arc.
In contrast, American Primeval understood the importance of pacing and structure. As a limited series, it had room to breathe—allowing character development, context-building, and impactful action without overloading viewers.
A Missed Opportunity for Costner’s Comeback
The success of American Primeval has only sharpened the contrast with Horizon. While Costner envisioned a grand cinematic return to the Old West, his execution didn’t resonate. Some fans believe his story would have been better suited for television, where long-form storytelling thrives—especially in Westerns. Sheridan’s 1883 and 1923 proved that episodic formats can deliver powerful, emotional narratives that keep viewers engaged week after week.
Despite the poor reception of the first part, Costner remains committed. He’s reportedly finished the second film and is already working on a third, with financing through his new company, Territory Film Studios. Still, many are questioning whether a shift to streaming or TV might salvage what’s left of the project.
