Kevin Costner Says Scrapped ‘Horizon 2’ Theatrical Release Was ‘Probably a Reaction’ to First Film’s Box Office Performance: ‘It Didn’t Have Overwhelming Success’

As a cinephile who has weathered the ebb and flow of Hollywood for decades, I find myself deeply moved by Kevin Costner‘s resilience in the face of adversity. The scrapping of “Horizon 2″‘s theatrical release is a setback that would deter many, but not Mr. Costner. His determination to bring this four-part series to fruition, even when faced with underwhelming box office returns, is nothing short of inspiring.


During the Venice Film Festival press conference over the weekend, Kevin Costner explained why the theatrical release of his second “Horizon” film has been canceled. He suggested that the decision might have been due to the lackluster performance of the initial movie at the box office.

“It didn’t have overwhelming success,” Costner said of the first film.

In a surprising turn of events, I learned just before Venice’s grand finale that “Horizon 2” would make an unexpected appearance in their lineup, premiering out-of-competition on the closing day of the festival. Interestingly enough, the U.S. debut of “Chapter 2,” initially scheduled for August 16, was postponed following the disappointing box office performance of its predecessor. Despite a hefty production budget of approximately $100 million, the first installment managed to garner only $11 million in its opening weekend.

Despite the obstacles, these incidents have only fueled his determination to carry on with his plans for a four-part series.

Occasionally, when we encounter challenges that seem difficult to overcome, there’s an instinct within us to retreat. However, in my case, those obstacles actually fuel my determination even more. This project holds a special significance for me; I believe it’s got the potential to endure the passage of time as a timeless piece of entertainment. When faced with rejection or failure, rather than being discouraged, my resolve only grows stronger.

When questioned about whether “Horizon” offers a lesson relevant to the upcoming presidential election in America, Costner responded by stating that it’s not intended as a political message for anyone.

He stated that “‘Horizon’ is not meant as a message to my nation, but rather as a reminder to us of the challenging nature of the journey that so many individuals have undertaken.

once more, Kevin Costner takes on both directing and acting roles in “Chapter Two,” featuring a recurring ensemble including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, and Danny Huston. This film continues the storyline initiated in the initial chapter, which is characterized as an intricate portrayal of the Civil War’s influence on the development and colonization of the American West. In addition to his directorial and acting duties, Costner also contributed to the script alongside Jon Baird (“The Explorers Guild”) and served as a producer through Territory Pictures.

The term “Horizon” refers to a planned four-part series, which implies that there are still two additional films being worked on. Filming for the third chapter commenced in May and is anticipated to conclude by next year.

Kevin Costner expressed his long-held ambition when he stated that ‘Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter Two’ would be screened at the Venice Film Festival. The festival’s decision to premiere ‘Chapter One’ earlier in the day, followed by the world premiere of ‘Chapter Two’ in the evening, not only demonstrates their faith in the interconnectedness of the two films but also their appreciation for a director’s creative vision. I am deeply grateful to Alberto Barbera for his bravery and guidance in embarking on this cinematic adventure with us.

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2024-09-07 14:16