“Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Sequel: Proof of Life Confirmed”
In Yellowstone, Kevin Costner’s John Dutton would go to any lengths to protect his family. In the real world, nothing seems to stand in the way of Costner’s commitment to his own mission: directing and starring in his four-part Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga. While the first film of the franchise had a shaky start, it’s clear that Costner is determined to ensure Horizon has a long life, even if it means pushing through challenges similar to those faced by his on-screen counterpart, John Dutton.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 is set to premiere at this year’s Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 7, followed by a Q&A with Costner. The festival will also feature a behind-the-scenes documentary, Beyond the Horizon, which showcases the making of the film.
Originally, New Line Cinema had planned to release the second film just six weeks after the first, but the first entry struggled both with critics and at the box office. Horizon grossed a disappointing $38 million worldwide, with the combined budget for both films reaching $100 million—$38 million of which Costner personally funded. However, despite the lackluster performance, Costner remained dedicated to the project and recouped his investment.
The actor pressed on, premiering Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 at last year’s Venice Film Festival, even after New Line Cinema pulled the film from its release schedule. Costner acknowledged the mixed reception of the first film, but he remains confident that many of his movies that didn’t succeed initially have eventually stood the test of time.
Although Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 doesn’t yet have an official release date, Costner explains that his initial vision was always to release the films about five to six months apart. “When I feel rejection, unlike anybody else, when I open my eyes from my disappointment, my desire is only increased,” Costner said, reaffirming his determination.
The first film, set in Montana in the late 1800s, follows Costner’s character, Hayes Ellison, a horse trader who saves a desperate woman and her son from a ruthless killer. The film’s plot weaves through semi-connected vignettes, beginning with an Apache rebellion and culminating in a vengeful journey along the Santa Fe Trail.
In Chapter 2, the story continues with the survivors preparing for the next battle. Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi, Thomas Haden Church, and others reprise their roles. The sequel promises to explore the multi-faceted themes of the Civil War, westward expansion, and the settlement of the American frontier.
Although no official release plan has been set for Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, Costner hopes that the film’s premiere at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival will reignite interest in the series, much like the first film did when it debuted at Cannes. As for the remaining two chapters of the saga, Costner is determined to finish the four-part epic, saying, “I don’t know how I’m going to make ‘Three’ right now, but I’m going to make it.”
