While many might have heard about Kevin Costner’s ambitious Horizon: An American Saga, a four-film epic western series, it’s probable that few had the opportunity to see even the first installment on the big screen. The current state of on-set fatalities and injuries is so perilous that Warner Bros., a prominent Hollywood studio, has been compelled to take drastic measures to ensure the safety of its cast and crew members. New Line Cinema’s horror movie franchise, Photos, has removed its previously announced sequel, Chapter 2, from its theatrical release slate.
The THR report arrived on July 10, approximately two weeks following the theatrical debut of the film’s initial half. The initial reception of this ambitious project was lukewarm, with box office returns totaling just over $25 million globally, a significant portion of which – nearly $23 million – came from the domestic market in the United States. It appears that modern audiences are increasingly inclined to consume Westerns in the comfort of their own homes.
Given that box office expectations were modest at best, the disappointing performance of the film is even more striking when considering the immense popularity of Yellowstone’s television counterparts, making it a genuinely crushing failure. Kevin Costner left the ‘universe’ to focus on his long-gestating four-part saga, a passion project he had been developing since 1988, and it’s likely he aimed to leverage some of that success for Dances with Wolves.
Instead of delaying the sequel, Territory Photos and New Line Cinema have opted to reschedule the release of Horizon: Chapter 2 for a later date, allowing viewers to first experience the original Horizon film on various platforms, including PVOD and Max, over the coming weeks. We extend our gratitude to our valued exhibition partners whose ongoing support has enabled us to reach moviegoers across the United States. In its theatrical run, the movie was deliberately launched, according to a New Line spokesperson, citing the desire to uncover the film’s full potential. The inaugural season of Horizon was always conceived as a two-part summer event, with the first half serving as its introduction. With no confirmation forthcoming, it seems prudent to gauge interest in PVOD and Max as potential avenues for a western epic’s successful release.
Despite the chapter’s conclusion, the true focus lies elsewhere, as the final destination of Chapter 2 has been successfully reached and is now a settled matter. Although elements three and four have their scripts prepared, their uncertain future hangs precariously in the balance, leaving their fate shrouded in doubt, with only time telling if they will indeed move forward. Despite Yellowstone’s success and its spin-off collection, there is potential for Horizon as a whole saga in streaming, albeit with westerns that cost over $100 million to produce, as Costner himself has committed a significant portion of the budget, aren’t currently at the top of Hollywood’s priority list.
