Neil Pond
Updated on: October 8, 2024 11:42 pm GMT
Kevin Costner Discusses ‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2’ and Its Theatrical Release Scrapping
At the recently held Venice Film Festival, actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner addressed the rescinded theatrical release of his second installment, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2.” During the festival’s press conference, he acknowledged that the decision to scrap the film’s planned release might have been influenced by the disappointing box office performance of its predecessor. “It didn’t have overwhelming success,” Costner stated, reflecting on the box office figures of “Horizon: Chapter 1,” which opened to just $11 million, despite a substantial budget of around $100 million.
Costner described the situation as a “studio decision,” noting that plans to release “Chapter 2” just six weeks after the first film were ultimately altered. He expressed that he was grateful for the opportunity to screen “Horizon 2” at Venice, highlighting how the film festival helped him fulfill a significant personal aspiration. Costner stated, “I would have never come to Venice, because they won’t show the film here if it was already out.”
The Venice screening was described as a last-minute inclusion in the festival lineup, with news breaking just days before its debut. While the first chapter of this ambitious saga ended its domestic run on August 8, 2023, with a total of $29 million in domestic earnings, the fate of the franchise remains uncertain.
Despite the setbacks, Costner has expressed an unwavering commitment to expanding the “Horizon” narrative into a four-part series. He mentioned that moments of difficulty only heighten his determination, saying, “When I feel rejection… my desire is only increased.” He is currently in the process of filming the third chapter, reinforcing his commitment to the overarching story of Westward expansion.
Critical Response to ‘Horizon: Chapter 2’
The early reviews from critics after the Venice premiere have not been kind. Leslie Felperin from The Hollywood Reporter pointed out that while the second chapter might be “more fun to watch” than its predecessor, it struggles with similar issues, including lackluster editing and an excess of setup minus the payoff. Variety’s Jessica Kiang shared her frustrations about the film, calling it unwieldy and scattershot, leading many to wonder if this entry would be enough to secure interest in future installments.
“The title [Chapter 2] closed out the 81st Venice International Film Festival,” the critic wrote, leaving audiences questioning whether Costner’s grand narrative will find the support needed to progress towards its envisioned conclusion.
The cast returns for this sequel, featuring notable actors such as Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, and Jena Malone. As the saga unfolds, it aims to provide a multifaceted depiction of the Civil War-era American West, although critics suggest that the execution may fall short of its ambitions.
As these developments unfold, many are left to ponder the future of the “Horizon” series. While Costner maintains hope and passion for the project, the reception and box office performance of “Horizon: Chapter 2” will greatly influence the potential for the remaining chapters.
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