Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon 2’ Set for Venice Film Festival World Premiere After Pulled U.S. Release

As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s seen his fair share of Western epics and Kevin Costner masterpieces, I must say, the news about “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two” premiering at the Venice Film Festival has piqued my interest. Having witnessed the ups and downs of Hollywood productions, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I hear about a film that didn’t quite hit its mark on its initial release, only to find another chance in the prestigious setting of Venice.


The second chapter of Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga” will make its worldwide debut at the Venice Film Festival in September, following a decision to postpone its initial U.S. release.

The second part of the Western epic, initially scheduled for release in U.S. cinemas on August 16th, was cancelled earlier this month due to disappointing box office returns from the first installment. With a budget of $100 million, the initial release only managed to earn $11 million during its opening weekend.

“In ‘Chapter Two,’ directed and acted by Kevin Costner along with Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, and Danny Huston, will make its debut outside of competition on the Lido on September 7th. The world premiere is set to occur earlier in the day, featuring a screening of the initial ‘Horizon’ movie, which was warmly received at Cannes in May with a seven-minute standing ovation.”

In EbMaster’s critique of the initial movie, lead film critic Owen Gleiberman stated: “Rather than telling a cohesive Western story through a strong, continuous arc, Costner offers an extended series of stories, moving between various characters, briefly exploring situations before abandoning them just as swiftly, providing a fragmented perspective on ranch life, and often inviting the viewers to piece together the history behind what they’re witnessing.”

“New Line Cinema’s ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ offers a complex portrayal of the Civil War era and western expansion in America. Besides handling both directing and acting duties, Costner also collaborated on the script with Jon Baird (‘The Explorers Guild’) and produced through his own production company, Territory Pictures.”

“Costner has always wanted to display ‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter Two’ at the Venice Film Festival. The festival’s decision to screen ‘Chapter One’ earlier in the day, followed by the world premiere of ‘Chapter Two’ that evening, demonstrates not only their confidence in how the two films complement each other but also their appreciation for a director’s creative vision. I’m grateful to Alberto Barbera for his bravery and guidance in embarking on this cinematic odyssey.”

Barbera expressed his delight and esteem by stating, “It’s truly a privilege to debut chapter two of ‘Horizon: An American Saga,’ together with its initial chapter, at the Venice Film Festival. This late inclusion serves as a sincere and reverent homage to the groundbreaking work of a renowned actor and director. Their dedication to reimagining pivotal years in our nation’s formation, delving beneath mythology to uncover authenticity, seeks to resurrect a slice of history in all its intricate and paradoxical truth.”

The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will run Aug. 28-Sept. 7. 

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2024-07-31 14:16