Kevin Costner Responds to ‘Dismissive’ Reaction After $100M Film’s Release Halted
Kevin Costner Remains Optimistic Despite Setbacks in $100M Film Saga
Kevin Costner is staying true to his vision for Horizon: An American Saga, even as the journey hits some bumps.
The 70-year-old Yellowstone star had originally planned to release the second chapter of his ambitious four-part Western epic in theaters on August 16. However, the theatrical release was unexpectedly canceled. Despite the shift, Costner remains positive, as the film will now be showcased alongside the first installment at the prestigious Venice Film Festival — a turn of events he’s embracing.
The first chapter, released in June, struggled both critically and commercially, earning just $32 million globally on a $100 million budget. Costner, who personally invested $38 million into the project, acknowledges the slow start but believes Horizon will prove its value over time.
Referencing his 1990 Oscar-winning directorial debut Dances with Wolves, which also faced early skepticism, Costner shared:
“It’s stood the test of decades, now generations — and that’s how I try to make movies. That’s what I see for Horizon.”
He continued:
“I’ve faced life with people being dismissive of me. But they can’t be dismissive of Horizon, because now it’s out of their hands. They might point to the box office, but I know this movie is going to play for the next 50 years.”
Filmed on a custom-built set in Utah, which Costner plans to expand into a dedicated film compound, Horizon is more than just a Western to him.
“There’s a moment in time where you want your children to see this movie — to understand what their ancestors went through,” he said. “It’s not just a Western, it’s the story of migration and survival. I’m really proud of it.”
While the studio originally scheduled the second chapter to release just six weeks after the first — a timeline Costner admits he never fully agreed with — he sees the Venice Festival debut as a silver lining:
“That was a nice development,” he said. “They understand that it’s a saga.”
Costner not only directs and stars in the project, but also features an ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, and his 15-year-old son Hayes, who makes a brief appearance. Hayes, named after the film’s main character, has been part of a project that’s been over 15 years in the making.
Despite the setbacks, Costner remains undeterred: Horizon may have had a rocky start, but he’s betting on its legacy.
