“Kevin Costner’s 30-Year Odyssey to Bring ‘Horizon’ to Life: A Passion Project Remembered”

Kevin Costner’s 30-Year Quest to Bring ‘Horizon’ to Life: A Journey Fueled by Passion

Kevin Costner, renowned for his roles in “Yellowstone,” “Dances with Wolves,” and “The Bodyguard,” is now presenting his most ambitious and deeply personal project to date. He is the writer, director, producer, and star of “Horizon: An American Saga,” a sweeping four-film series that chronicles the expansion and settlement of the American West.

In “Horizon,” Costner portrays Haze Ellison, a man on the run with his love interest, Marigold, played by Abbey Lee, as they evade vengeful gunslingers. The series delves into themes of violence, love, and betrayal against the backdrop of a rapidly changing frontier.

The genesis of “Horizon” dates back to 1988, before Costner achieved fame with “Dances with Wolves.” Despite facing early rejections, Costner remained undeterred by setbacks, driven by a relentless passion for the project.

“I thought, ‘Well, I’ll write four more, see how they like those.’ No one liked that. You know the stubbornness that I have, but I couldn’t forget it, I couldn’t fall out of love with it. And I just kept pushing it forward,” Costner reflected.

Authenticity in Westerns

Costner’s lifelong love for Western films was often marred by their lack of authenticity. This perception changed when he encountered a Western that featured genuine period details, from costumes to music and scenery.

“They’re hard to make, these big Westerns. They’re challenging. Things move slowly, but you need to invest in the details. It’s not just about the gunfights; it’s about capturing the humanity of the people navigating this country, displacing cultures that had existed for millennia,” he explained.

In “Horizon,” Costner aims to portray the profound cultural clashes of westward expansion while highlighting the resilience of those trying to lead noble lives amidst chaos.

“Yet amidst all of it, there were people trying to lead honorable lives, raise their children, and those taking advantage of the lack of law. The people caught in the middle were often those who were here first,” he said.

A Family Affair

Costner’s personal life has also been a focus recently, particularly his 2023 divorce from Christine Baumgartner after 19 years of marriage. Reflecting on the past year in an interview with “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King, Costner described the experience as “crushing” and painful, particularly for his children.

“My main concern was for my children. I can’t just fall apart. I have to continue to be who I am and keep a close eye on them. It’s a moment I hoped they wouldn’t have to face, but now they have. So, we just deal with it,” he shared.

Costner’s children, including his two sons and a daughter, have remained central to his life. Working with his son Hayes on “Horizon” has been a particularly fulfilling experience. Although Hayes had no prior acting experience, Costner felt he was right for a role in the film.

“I didn’t initially plan for him to be in it. But as the project progressed, I realized I wanted him to be part of it. He was a perfect fit for the role, and it was a dream to work with him,” Costner said.

Despite the challenges of managing multiple roles in the project, Costner remains undeterred by Hollywood trends or opinions. His focus remains on the connection with his audience, ensuring they experience a compelling and immersive ride.

“I have a relationship with an audience. There will be people who come in knowing nothing about it. When the lights go out and come back up, I want them to have taken a ride,” he said.

“Horizon: An American Saga” hits theaters on Friday, distributed by Paramount Pictures, a division of Paramount Global.