“Kevin Costner Reflects on Philosophy as His Epic Western Debuts at Venice”
Kevin Costner has suggested that the underwhelming box office performance of his Western epic Horizon: An American Saga likely influenced the studio’s decision to postpone the release of its sequel. Despite this setback, Costner remained upbeat.
Putting a positive spin on the situation, Costner noted that the delay allowed him to debut Chapter 2 at the Venice Film Festival, just four months after the first installment received lukewarm reviews at Cannes.
“It didn’t achieve overwhelming success,” Costner admitted to reporters on Saturday. “But the studio’s decision not to release the sequel in August meant that I could bring it to Venice, which was always my plan.”
He remarked, “It’s the miracle of life. Films that have already been released aren’t shown here. My plan was always to bring it to Venice, and suddenly that’s exactly what happened.”
A new global release date for Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 has not yet been set.
Costner, who has partially self-funded the project, is chronicling the trials faced by settlers in the American West during the late 1800s. The saga is planned to unfold in four episodes, though Costner admitted facing significant challenges.
“I’m not sure how I’m going to complete the third chapter right now, but I’m determined to do it,” he said, explaining that the difficulties have only bolstered his resolve. “When I experience rejection, I’m just like anyone else. But when I overcome my disappointment, my drive only intensifies.”
He added, “I need to act quickly and not let this setback deter me. I have to keep pushing forward.”
The Horizon series spans a 15-year period before and after the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865), exploring the westward expansion by white settlers and the impact on Native American lands.
Costner’s previous Western credits include his Oscar-winning Dances With Wolves (1990) and the highly successful TV series Yellowstone.
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 was presented out of competition on the final day of the Venice Film Festival.
