“Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Flopped in Theaters but Is Thriving on Streaming”

Kevin Costner’s Western epic, Horizon, has been a labor of love for the actor since 1988. The trailer showcases the grand scope of his passion project, reflecting the immense effort he invested in creating this sweeping saga. However, while Horizon: Chapter One struggled with disappointing box office returns and mixed reviews, it appears to be finding its audience through streaming.

When Horizon premiered in theaters on June 28th, it faced a tough start. The film earned only $11 million in its opening weekend and saw a significant decline, dropping $5.4 million in its second weekend and finishing in seventh place with $2.4 million in its third. Critics were divided, praising the film’s grand depiction of the Old West but critiquing its narrative cohesion.

Despite its theatrical woes, Horizon has found a more favorable reception on streaming platforms. According to ReelGood, the film is currently ranked tenth among movies across major streaming services. It trails behind titles like Amazon Prime’s Jackpot! and Netflix’s The Union and Deliverance. On Max, Horizon: Chapter One has performed even better, securing the third spot in movie rankings, just behind The Martian and Beetlejuice.

This positive streaming performance is particularly notable given Costner’s initial reluctance to release the film directly to streaming. He had envisioned a cinematic experience for his Western and was determined to showcase it on the big screen. Nevertheless, it seems that audiences are more willing to engage with the film at home, leading to a surge in viewership.

The lackluster box office performance of Chapter One has delayed the release of Horizon: Chapter Two, which was originally set for August. However, all is not lost for Costner’s ambitious film series. Chapter Two premiered at the 81st Venice Film Festival and is slated for a theatrical release later this year. Additionally, Costner is actively working on the next installments, with filming for Chapter Three and Chapter Four scheduled to begin next spring. His commitment to the project remains strong, despite the initial setbacks.

While Horizon: Chapter One may not have achieved the blockbuster success Costner hoped for, its streaming success suggests that there is an audience eager to see the full saga. This could potentially boost interest in the subsequent chapters and improve the film’s box office prospects in the future.