Hollywood once followed Kevin Costner into the wild; now he’s the one doing the chasing. Who is he courting to push Horizon into its third chapter, and why does he keep doubling down?
Kevin Costner is still riding hard for Horizon, even as the trail gets steeper. After pouring $38 million of his own money into a four-film, 10-hour Western and watching the first chapter sputter at the box office, the saga has been put on hold by its studio while he hunts for fresh cash. That quest has taken him as far as Riyadh, where an honor at the Joy Awards doubled as a pitch to potential Saudi backers, with little to show so far. With tempers from Yellowstone-era disputes still coloring his reputation, the fate of chapters three and four hangs in the balance.
The trials of Kevin Costner’s bold vision
Kevin Costner has long pursued ambitious storytelling, and his latest effort, the Horizon film series, may be his most formidable yet. Conceived as a sprawling 10-hour odyssey across four films, only the first chapter has reached theaters so far. Its weak box office returns have cast doubt on the future of the project, placing this expansive vision in a precarious position.
A career of risks, from triumphs to setbacks
Costner’s filmography reflects a steady willingness to take big swings. The epic success of Dances with Wolves, which earned 7 Oscars, and his high-profile turn in the hit series Yellowstone underscore his range and persistence. Yet commercial headwinds have marked earlier ventures like Waterworld and The Postman, both beset by production hurdles and muted reception. In that context, Horizon’s shaky start fits a familiar pattern. Costner has already committed $38 million of his own funds to the series, a reminder that even for a veteran, passion projects carry real costs.
The uphill battle to secure support
With Warner Bros. postponing multiple facets of Horizon and investor confidence shaken by Chapter 1’s performance, Costner has widened his search for backing beyond the United States. That effort included a stop at the Joy Awards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he was recognized for his career. Amid the ceremony’s spotlight, he held discussions with Saudi officials about financing the saga’s continuation. As of now, no deals have been reached to fund Chapters 3 and 4, and the quest for capital remains unresolved despite his stature.
Hollywood clashes and an uncertain future
Complicating matters are industry tensions surrounding Costner. Recent years have brought legal and professional frictions, including disputes with actor Wes Bentley and showrunner Taylor Sheridan on the set of Yellowstone. Reporting in The Hollywood Reporter has characterized Costner as both deeply dedicated and at times difficult to collaborate with, a perception that may weigh on potential partners assessing financial risk alongside production dynamics.
Is the saga over?
Production on the Horizon films is paused indefinitely, but Costner’s resolve to complete the saga remains intact. Whether through renewed self-financing, international partnerships, or another unexpected avenue, he continues to pursue the work. The American West is vast, and this journey still has room to advance.