The way Kevin Costner envisions “Horizon: An American Saga” is as a film franchise. But unlike a typical movie series, he wants just months, rather than years, between each entry. Then, after the planned four films premiere, Costner thinks they can be split into television episodes. “It will eventually be cut up into [hour-long episodes] or 42 minutes — however TV works,” he told Variety. “But their first viewing of it will be as four 2-hour and 45-minute movies. And every three months, one will come out.”
Costner also told Variety at that time — in June 2022, about two years before “Horizon” Chapter 1’s theatrical release date — that he sold the project as an “event television movie.” Now that Chapters 1 and 2 will premiere in theaters, those plans have changed. Given that he’s still seeking funding for Chapters 3 and 4, the ambitious release schedule he envisioned is also out the window. That said, the first two “Horizon” films will still be released just three months apart, so at least some of Costner’s grand vision persists.
Since Costner has significant financial stakes in “Horizon,” the disappointing trajectory Matthew Belloni predicted could impact the actor’s career and everyday life. Of course, it’s still possible that “Horizon” is the next “Yellowstone” and catches on in a way few have foreseen.
