Kevin Costner's period Western Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2 has been removed from the release calendar for its scheduled debut on August 16. This decision comes after the underwhelming performance of Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 during its recent theatrical release. Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema, in collaboration with Costner, have opted to reevaluate their release strategy to allow more time for the audience to discover the first installment of the series, which carried a hefty $100 million budget.
As part of this revised plan, Chapter 1 will be available for Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) starting July 16, alongside its continued theatrical screenings. The postponement of Chapter 2 aims to provide viewers with a better opportunity to engage with the initial chapter through various platforms, including PVOD and MAX.
The decision to delay Chapter 2 was made in appreciation of the ongoing support from theater partners and moviegoers across the United States. The positive response to Horizon has fueled anticipation for the sequel, reinforcing the filmmakers' commitment to delivering an engaging cinematic experience.
Warner Bros., the parent company of New Line Cinema, informed theater owners of the last-minute change, necessitating refunds for advance ticket purchases for Chapter 2. The Horizon series represents a significant investment for Costner, who personally financed a portion of Chapter 1 and secured additional funding from undisclosed investors and foreign rights sales.
Despite a lackluster box office performance and mixed critical reception for Chapter 1, Costner remains dedicated to completing the four-film saga. The ambitious project, set against the backdrop of the Civil War era, has faced challenges in resonating with a broad audience, particularly among younger viewers.
The marketing efforts for Horizon heavily featured Costner, who embarked on a nationwide promotional tour and showcased the film at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival. However, the film's appeal has predominantly skewed towards older demographics, failing to capture the desired enthusiasm among Costner's fan base and followers of his popular series Yellowstone.
While plans for the release of Horizon Chapter 2 remain uncertain, Costner's team is gearing up to resume production on Chapter 3 in the near future. The saga's unconventional release strategy and Costner's personal commitment to the project underscore his determination to bring this epic Western tale to fruition.
