Kevin Costner has once again proven himself a fearless storyteller, unveiling his highly ambitious Western saga, Horizon: An American Saga, at the Cannes Film Festival. The actor-director, who has already immortalized his love for the American frontier with classics like Dances With Wolves and Open Range, took a massive personal and financial risk to bring this sprawling four-part epic to life.
The first two chapters of Horizon are set to release just two months apart: Chapter One on June 28 and Chapter Two on August 16. The story unfolds over a vast, multi-generational canvas with a star-studded cast, including Sienna Miller, Abbey Lee, and Sam Worthington. For Costner, who directed and self-financed the project, Horizon isn’t just a movie; it’s a passion project that’s been brewing for over 30 years.
In an interview at Cannes, Costner shared how deeply personal this project is. To finance the $100 million-plus production, he mortgaged his beloved Santa Barbara seaside estate. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” he admitted. “But it was the decision I needed to make. If no one will help me do it and I believe strongly in its entertainment value, I’m going to do it myself.”
Set against the backdrop of westward expansion, Horizon weaves together the stories of settlers, Native Americans, and immigrants in a way that highlights both the heroism and tragedy of the American frontier. Costner’s attention to authentic storytelling shines through, as he portrays not just the triumphs but also the struggles, betrayals, and divisions that marked this pivotal period in history.
Cannes marks a high point for Costner, who called the festival an essential platform for independent filmmakers like himself. “I don’t have all the money in the world to expose this movie,” he said. “But I have my time and a platform here.”
While Costner’s journey with Yellowstone may be uncertain, his dedication to the Western genre remains steadfast. With Horizon, he seeks to deliver not just entertainment but a deeply resonant cinematic experience. “I know what this is, and I think if people love the movie experience, they have a really good chance of wanting to see the next one,” he said.
Will Costner’s gamble pay off? Only time—and the box office—will tell. One thing is certain: Horizon: An American Saga is shaping up to be one of the boldest cinematic endeavors in recent memory.
Read more about Costner’s journey, the film’s unique release strategy, and what makes Horizon a groundbreaking Western saga!
