Costner is not a happy man at the moment. As is often the case in Hollywood, projects get sidelined, put aside or even cancelled.
Certainly! The second part of Kevin Costner’s expansive Western saga, “Horizon: An American Saga,” won’t be gracing theaters this August as initially planned. The decision came from New Line Cinema following the lackluster performance of the series’ opening chapter at the box office, which garnered only $23 million in its first two weeks.
Kevin Costner‘s period Western #HorizonAnAmericanSaga — Chapter 2 won’t be riding into theaters after all. The film is being pulled from the release calendar after Chapter 1 bit the dust in its theatrical debut late last month https://t.co/GxlAuQIxbd pic.twitter.com/BK6cv8J8MI
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 10, 2024
Instead of the quick back-to-back release schedule originally planned for the films, the studio is now shifting gears. They intend to allow more time for audiences to engage with the first film, postponing the release of “Horizon: Chapter 2” which was set for August 16. The first film, released on June 28, will soon be available for home viewing on premium on-demand starting July 16, though its streaming premiere on Max has not yet been scheduled.
Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Chapter 2 Dropped From August Theatrical Release After Chapter 1 Flopshttps://t.co/H8GFeGIs1Q pic.twitter.com/AUBDfYYSMf
— Forbes (@Forbes) July 10, 2024
This pivot serves as a sobering acknowledgment that Costner’s long-cherished project hasn’t resonated with audiences as hoped. The project, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in May, came with a hefty price tag of $100 million. This, coupled with Costner’s personal investment, sets a high bar for the film’s financial recovery. Notably, Costner has been passionate about the “Horizon” concept for over three decades, directing, co-writing, and starring in the films. He is also actively working on a third installment and envisions a fourth to complete the series.
Kevin Costner’s ‘HORIZON 2’ has had its August 16 theatrical release cancelled.
The studio are hoping of allowing more time to grow the audience for the first film before releasing the second.
(Source: https://t.co/bVKMkOY4qk) pic.twitter.com/2nJiyLYL90
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 10, 2024
Costner discussed the studio’s original rapid release strategy, noting that while quick turnarounds might have been simpler, they opted for a plan that would help the sequels benefit from the memory of their predecessors. Amidst these cinematic endeavors, Costner has confirmed his departure from the successful series “Yellowstone,” viewing “Horizon” as a narrative that would eventually make its way to television. He imagines the entirety of the films being adapted into a lengthy television format, transforming hours of cinematic content into an expansive viewing experience. This reflects his commitment to ensuring the films have a lasting presence, both in theaters and as potential television content.
Major Points:
- Release Postponed: The theatrical release of “Horizon: Chapter 2” was canceled after the first film underperformed, earning only $23 million in two weeks.
- New Strategy: New Line Cinema has shifted its strategy to focus on extending the engagement with the first film, delaying the second installment’s release originally set for August 16.
- On-Demand Release: The first “Horizon” film will be available on premium on-demand services starting July 16, though no streaming date on Max has been announced yet.
- Financial Challenge: The project, which debuted at the Cannes Film Festival and cost $100 million, faces a tough path to profitability, with Costner personally investing in the production.
- Future Plans: Despite setbacks, Costner is already working on a third film and plans a fourth, ultimately hoping to adapt the series into an extensive television format.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
