“Kevin Costner’s Best Path for Horizon: Condensing It into a Trilogy, Despite Story Sacrifices”
After the lackluster performance of the first installment, Horizon: An American Saga may not unfold as Kevin Costner envisioned, prompting the director to quickly reassess his project. This latest endeavor from Costner, a four-part series set in the American West before, during, and after the Civil War, showcases his passion for the Western genre—one of his strongest suits. However, despite being a project he has nurtured since the 1980s, the franchise’s future is now in jeopardy.
The uncertainty stems from the reception of the first installment. Released in June 2024, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 faced disappointing financial and critical outcomes. With a budget of $50 million, the film only managed to gross $38 million at the box office. Additionally, it received a mixed 51% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where some critics praised Costner’s expansive vision of the Western frontier, while others noted a lack of substantial plot progression in the three-hour runtime. The film was designed to set the stage for its three sequels, but those continuations may never materialize.
Combining Chapters 3 & 4: A Viable Solution
Given the disappointing performance of Chapter 1, it remains uncertain whether the franchise will produce its full four films. To ensure the story finds closure, Costner may need to make significant alterations to the narrative, potentially merging Chapters 3 and 4 into a single film. This approach would allow the franchise to conclude satisfactorily, even if Chapter 4 is ultimately canceled.
Currently, there’s still time to consolidate the final two chapters into one cohesive film. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 has already premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024, while production on Chapter 3 is just a few months away. Chapter 4 is also in development. Depending on the audience’s reaction to Chapter 2, it might be prudent for Costner to start planning a strategy that allows for the seamless merging of Chapters 3 and 4 if necessary. This way, fans will not be left without a resolution to the saga.
