Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Western Removed from Theaters Following Box Office Disappointment

Kevin Costner’s ambitious project, *Horizon: An American Saga*, has not met expectations, prompting a shift in Hollywood’s plans by cancelling the release of a sequel next month.

Costner envisioned *Horizon* as a four-part epic Western series, with the first two chapters released this summer: Chapter 1 premiered on June 28, and Chapter 2 was set for release on August 16.

However, the initial film struggled to attract viewers. In its debut week, it ranked third at the box office, earning only $11 million—a poor showing considering its $100 million budget, $38 million of which Costner personally invested.

With *Horizon* underperforming in theaters, the film’s studios, Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema, have decided to postpone the release of Chapter 2, originally scheduled for August.

The Hollywood Reporter states that the delay allows audiences more time to view Chapter 1 at home via video-on-demand and streaming services.

“We thank our exhibition partners for their continued support as moviegoers across the US discover the film during its theatrical run,” a spokesperson from New Line commented, according to the Hollywood Reporter. A new release date for Chapter 2 has yet to be determined.

*Horizon: Chapter 1* will be accessible for home viewing on premium VOD services beginning July 16. Additionally, it will become available on the streaming platform Max, though the specific release date has not yet been announced.

Releasing the first two parts of the series mere weeks apart was an ambitious and unprecedented move in Hollywood, yet this bold strategy did not yield the desired results.

Studios often face challenges in drawing audiences to theaters due to high ticket prices and the allure of at-home streaming options. This competitive environment makes it particularly difficult for non-franchise films to succeed — a three-hour western being no exception.

Expectations were high for Kevin Costner, who has recently starred in *Yellowstone*, one of television’s most popular shows. However, the show’s loyal fanbase did not translate into cinema attendance.

The crucial question now is whether *Yellowstone* fans will embrace *Horizon* from the comfort of their homes. Many films have gained popularity on streaming platforms and through rentals after underperforming in theaters, suggesting there may still be hope for *Horizon* to attract an audience that could support future sequels.

Conversely, *Horizon: Chapter 1* has garnered mixed reactions from both critics and audiences. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a “rotten” score of 41%, while the audience score is somewhat more favorable at 71%. The film faced criticism for its lengthy runtime and complex plot, featuring numerous characters and storylines. Despite these critiques, many have acknowledged the film’s ambitious scope and impressive cinematography.

The future of *Horizon* is uncertain, and this development is likely a disappointment for Costner, who has invested decades into making this project a reality and has a personal stake in its success. Last month, Costner revealed that he would not be returning to *Yellowstone*, emphasizing his dedication to *Horizon*.