Kevin Costner is reveling in the success of his latest film, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” which has emerged as a streaming hit six months after its initial release. Co-written, led, and directed by the celebrated “Yellowstone” actor, this ambitious project debuted in June 2024. Although it only grossed $38.7 million against a $100 million budget at the box office, the film has found new life on streaming platforms, quickly climbing to Netflix’s Top 10 chart within its first week.
In an exclusive interview with Decider, Costner expressed his excitement about “Horizon’s” impressive streaming performance. While he has yet to see the updated statistics, he remains optimistic, suggesting that the delayed success indicates a consistent demand for Western films like his. He explained that what distinguishes “Horizon” is its focus on the untold stories of women during this period, a theme that resonated deeply throughout the writing process. Costner remarked, “I think it’s interesting that the movie came out six months ago and people are still finding it with little push from anywhere. It’s out there. It’s standing amongst the biggest movies of the year, and it was streamed more than them.” He further elaborated on the film’s themes, saying, “You have no West without women. But they were often dragged out there against their will, and they just had to live in the fear and the dirt, trying to keep their families clean.”
Despite its initial box office disappointment, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” was set for a late 2024 release but has since been canceled. However, Costner highlighted that the success of the first chapter on streaming services underscores a viable market for his Western films, which bodes well for future projects. The sequel currently has no release date, but with Chapter 1’s momentum, a streaming release could be possible sometime in 2025.
In a touching moment for fans, Costner’s young son Hayes plays a significant role in one of the film’s opening scenes, adding a personal touch to the Western epic. Currently, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” stands among the top ten most searched Western films on streaming, a testament to its growing popularity. Although some critics have offered mixed reviews—holding a 51% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes—the film has achieved a 70% Popcornmeter score, indicating that it strikes a chord with general audiences, particularly those passionate about the Western genre.
While the film’s slow-burn pacing may not cater to every viewer, its nostalgic Western atmosphere and the intrigue it builds for “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2” have captivated a dedicated audience. It is evident that “Horizon” is more tailored for die-hard fans of the genre rather than casual viewers. With Kevin Costner’s extensive experience in Westerns, it is clear he knows how to connect with audiences familiar with this cinematic landscape. In contrast, fans of “Yellowstone” may find themselves somewhat unenthusiastic, as “Horizon” embodies a more traditional Western vibe compared to Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western approach; it offers a different narrative flair than other recent offerings like “Wicked.”
Costner’s remarks about “Horizon” representing a certain place people want to explore emotionally emphasize the film’s core. Its initial box office disappointment and subsequent streaming success may not be surprising, as they mirror the realities of shifting audience demands. “Horizon” provides viewers with pathways to explore deeper themes within the Western genre, focusing on the untold stories and emotional narratives that often get overshadowed by traditional storytelling conventions. As Kevin Costner celebrates this latest chapter of his cinematic journey, his optimistic outlook suggests that the horizons ahead are ripe with potential, promising even more captivating tales from the American West.
