Kevin Costner's film, 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1,' faced a challenging weekend at the box office, earning $2.4 million and securing the 7th spot, as reported by The Numbers. This marks a setback for the initial installment of Costner's planned four-part Western epic, which had a domestic debut of $11 million on June 28. Despite its promising start, the 3-hour and 1-minute film dropped out of the top 5 in its second weekend.
Following the theatrical release, the digital streaming date for 'Horizon' was announced, with a premiere on premium video on demand scheduled for July 16. Subsequently, the decision was made to pull 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2' from its August 16 theatrical release date.
The movie, written, directed, and starring Kevin Costner, portrays a Civil War-era narrative depicting the expansion of the American West. Costner, although the lead, is part of a diverse ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Wase Chief, Michael Rooker, Jena Malone, and Danny Huston.
Despite Costner's personal investment of $38 million and additional funding from private investors, 'Horizon' has struggled to meet financial expectations. The film's production budget has been reported variably, with estimates ranging from $50 million to $100 million.
Internationally, 'Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1' has generated $1.4 million in ticket sales, contributing to a worldwide box office total of $28.4 million. The film has received mixed reviews, with critics on Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 47% rating, while audiences rated it at 71%.
Despite its challenges, 'Horizon' aims to leverage its premium video on demand release, offering the film for purchase at $24.99 and a 48-hour rental option at $19.99. The platform encourages open and respectful discussions among users, emphasizing the importance of civil discourse and adherence to community guidelines.
