Kevin Costner Stands by ‘Horizon’ Amidst Criticism and Box Office Struggles
Kevin Costner Stands Firm on ‘Horizon’ Despite Disappointing Box Office
Kevin Costner remains steadfast in his pride for “Horizon” despite its underwhelming box office performance. The film, the first installment in Costner’s ambitious four-part Western saga, has faced criticism and disappointing earnings, yet the actor remains optimistic about its long-term legacy.
At 69, Costner is no stranger to critics and has faced dismissiveness throughout his career. However, he believes “Horizon” will endure well beyond its current reception. “I’ve dealt with people being dismissive of me throughout my life,” Costner said. “But they can’t dismiss ‘Horizon’ now that it’s out there. While some may focus on its box office performance, I’m confident this film will continue to resonate for the next 50 years.”
Costner views “Horizon” not just as a Western, but as a vital historical narrative of migration and survival. “It’s a story about what our ancestors endured,” he explained. “I’m really proud of what we’ve created.”
In response to the film’s performance, Territory Pictures has expressed gratitude for the support from fans and theater owners. “The enthusiasm for our story and the response to the first chapter have been incredibly rewarding,” the company said in a statement. “We’re thankful for those who have joined us on this journey and look forward to expanding that experience with ‘Horizon 2.’”
Despite the setbacks, the Venice Film Festival will feature the first two installments of the “Horizon” saga back-to-back on September 7, with “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” showing in the morning and “Chapter 2” in the evening. “That was a nice development,” Costner commented. “It’s encouraging to see they recognize the saga’s scope.”
In light of the first film’s performance, Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema have postponed the release of “Horizon 2” to allow more time for audiences to discover the first installment. The film has grossed $23 million over its first two weeks, leading the studio to shift their release strategy in hopes of giving the saga a stronger foundation.
