Kevin Costner’s Horizon Rocked by Lawsuit and Budget Issues, Co-Star Speaks Out
Kevin Costner Presses On with Troubled Horizon Franchise Amid Legal and Financial Setbacks
Kevin Costner appears determined to move forward with his ambitious Western saga Horizon, despite the many setbacks that have plagued the franchise since its inception.
Originally envisioned as a four-part film epic, Horizon has faced considerable hurdles—from financial strains to personal fallout. Costner reportedly invested $38 million of his own money into the project, a move that was said to contribute to tensions in his previous marriage to Christine Baumgartner. His decision to pursue the films is also believed to be a factor in his departure from the hit series Yellowstone.
The first installment premiered in August 2024 but struggled at the box office, earning only $11 million in its opening weekend and grossing just $32 million globally by September. Following the lackluster performance, the second film was pulled from a planned theatrical release.
Despite the commercial disappointment and serious allegations involving the production, work on the project appears to continue—though not without uncertainty. Actor Glynn Turman, who appeared in the second film and is set to return for the third, recently revealed that filming on Part 3 had started but may have been halted.
“I think there was a temporary shutdown, and I don’t know if they went back,” Turman shared. “But Part 2—I can’t wait to see it.” He added that he hasn’t received any updates about its release: “Not a thing. It’s kind of frustrating for all of us involved.”
Still, Turman praised Costner’s creative vision: “I love Part 1. It takes us back to old-fashioned moviemaking. Kevin is one of the best at that. What a bold move he made.”
The franchise also faces serious legal trouble. In May 2025, actress Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court accusing the Horizon production of sexual discrimination, harassment, and creating a hostile work environment. She alleges that she was subjected to a “violent, unscripted, unscheduled” rape scene during filming in Utah on May 2, 2023.
LaBella’s lawsuit claims the production failed to protect her and later retaliated against her. In response, Costner’s attorney Marty Singer called the accusations “absolutely without merit,” stating that the scene was discussed in advance, rehearsed, and that LaBella gave her consent to proceed, though the scene ultimately was not filmed.
Despite the controversy, Costner remains committed to the vision behind Horizon. The first film is now available on Netflix, though the second has yet to secure a streaming release. With a total budget of $100 million and a custom-built set in Utah—intended to be the foundation of a larger Costner-led studio—the project represents a massive personal and professional investment.
Reflecting on the film’s rocky journey, Costner previously said:
“I don’t mind going with the crowd, but if the crowd isn’t going where I want to go, I’m not worried about taking a different path. I’m just looking for that mythical partner—someone who wants to make movies with me for the next ten years. Projects that stand the test of time.”
