Kevin Costner Addresses Retirement Rumors Amid ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ Struggles
Kevin Costner Talks Retirement, Creative Drive, and the Uncertain Future of Horizon: An American Saga
At 70, Kevin Costner shows no signs of stepping away from Hollywood. Despite ongoing setbacks with his ambitious Western saga, Horizon: An American Saga, the Oscar-winning actor and filmmaker says retirement isn’t even a consideration.
“I don’t even think about retiring,” Costner recently told. “I’ll just move to the next thing that captures my imagination.”
Costner began his film career in 1981 with Sizzle Beach, U.S.A., but it was his role as Eliot Ness in The Untouchables (1987) that launched him into stardom. Over the following decades, he built a distinguished career both in front of and behind the camera, earning two Academy Awards and three Golden Globes.
Now, Costner says his choices are guided more by personal inspiration than studio mandates.
“Imagination is what determines what I do—not a boss,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed life and imagining what I can do. Not just what satisfies me, but what makes a difference for others.”
While he doesn’t keep a formal “bucket list,” Costner admits his creative energy is as strong as ever.
“My eyes and my enthusiasms are wide open and very big… It’s a rush to try to get to all of them.”
A Dream Project with Real Struggles
Costner is currently immersed in his passion project: Horizon: An American Saga, a four-part Western epic he stars in, directs, and co-writes. Set during the pre- and post-Civil War era, the story follows horse trader Hayes Ellison as settlers push into the untamed American West.
But despite its grand vision, the project has been plagued by financial and production troubles.
Costner personally financed about 75% of the first chapter’s $50 million budget. The film—Horizon: Chapter 1—struggled at the box office, pulling in just $38.7 million and receiving mixed reviews, with a 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, Costner later celebrated a surprising win: the film became the 10th most-streamed movie across all platforms shortly after its release.
“People are still discovering it with little push from anywhere,” he told. “It’s standing among the biggest movies of the year.”
Chapter 2, which was filmed alongside the first, premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024. A wide theatrical release has yet to be announced—likely delayed due to the underperformance of the first installment.
Filming on Chapter 3 began last year but was soon halted. Costner hasn’t confirmed when production will resume.
Meanwhile, legal troubles have added to the complications. In May, distribution partner New Line sued Costner, claiming he breached their co-financing agreement. The lawsuit followed arbitration initiated by City National Bank, which accused both parties of unpaid fees.
Adding to the uncertainty, Horizon co-star Glynn Turman recently told he hasn’t heard any updates on production restarting.
“They started filming Part 3. I don’t know if they’ve continued… I think there was a temporary shutdown,” he said.
Still Moving Forward
Despite the rocky road, Costner remains focused on storytelling and bringing Horizon to life—driven not by career ambition, but by creative passion.
For now, retirement isn’t in the picture.
