Kevin Costner, with his unwavering ambition, has been a significant figure in the world of cinema. His involvement in some of the biggest movies, both successful and not, showcases his dedication. One such project is "Horizon: An American Saga," a four-part epic Western tale that spans over a decade with a large cast.

Kevin Costner's "Horizon" - A Journey from Theatres to Screens

Chapter 1: The Arrival of "Horizon"

In the summer of 2024, the first "Horizon" movie made its way to cinemas. However, the response was underwhelming. The three-hour epic managed to earn just $38m (£30m) at the global box office, derailing the plans for the second chapter to be released theatrically just two months later. This left the future of the series in jeopardy.Kevin Costner portrays Hayes Ellison in "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1." His performance added depth to the story, but the lack of audience turnout was a setback. The completed film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, yet there is still no sign of it reaching the public on either cinemas or streaming platforms.

Chapter 2: The Awkward Limbo

"Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2" now finds itself in a strange state of limbo. Despite the filming for Chapter 3 taking place concurrently with the second movie, there is still more work to be done. Costner has noticed a significant change in the production process, with things becoming less free and easy compared to the start of the first movie.At an event organized by Deadline in November 2024, Costner acknowledged the increased difficulty. He expressed his determination to keep the franchise going, saying, "I'm hoping, I'm dreaming, I'm meeting all the billionaires that we all hear about - they're all hiding in the shadows." His words show his unwavering commitment to the project.

Chapter 3: The Critical and Audience Response

Only 51% of critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave the first "Horizon" film a positive review, and theatrical audiences gave it a middling grade of B- via Cinemascore. This lack of critical and audience support makes it challenging for Costner to achieve his grand vision for "Horizon." Against this backdrop, it's hard to imagine how he can continue with the franchise.However, as several other auteurs have discovered, the small screen might be the answer. Television and streaming platforms have shown that they can attract audiences without the need for a big-name franchise identity. Costner himself is a prime example, with audiences eagerly watching his cowboy-hatted antics in "Yellowstone."

Chapter 4: The Future on Streaming

The future of Kevin Costner's "Horizon" franchise may lie on streaming services. While Costner believes in the big screen and the cinematic experience, the reality is that movies need to make money. With the first film not performing well at the box office, the sequels face an uphill battle.But Costner's determination is unwavering. He has already invested a significant amount of his own money into the project. If "Horizon" is to reach its conclusion, he will need the help of either audiences discovering his film or someone with deeper pockets."Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" is available on video-on-demand in the UK, giving viewers a chance to experience the first part of this Western epic.