‘Horizon 2’ to Premiere at Venice Film Festival

Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated film, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, is slated to make its grand debut at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, following a strategic delay from its original August release date. The Venice Film Festival announced on Wednesday that the second installment of Costner’s epic four-part saga will have its world premiere out-of-competition at the prestigious event on Sunday, September 7. This announcement follows a recent decision to withdraw Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 from most U.S. theaters as it approaches the end of its theatrical run.

Originally scheduled for an August 16 release, Horizon 2 was pulled from its planned date by the film’s distributor, Warner Bros. subsidiary New Line Cinema, along with Costner’s own production company. The decision came after Horizon 1 struggled to gain traction at the box office. The initial film, which premiered on June 28, earned $11 million during its opening weekend. Despite this, it was quickly shifted to digital streaming via premium video on demand on July 16, although it remained available in select U.S. and international theaters.

As of now, Horizon 1 has garnered a total of $28.9 million domestically and $2.3 million internationally, bringing its global box office earnings to $31.3 million. Reports vary on the production budget, with The Numbers estimating it at $50 million and The Hollywood Reporter citing a higher figure of $100 million. Notably, Costner invested $38 million of his own funds into the film, with additional financing provided by two private investors. Despite the mixed box office reception, Costner’s commitment to the project remains evident, as he is already in production on the third installment of the saga.

Horizon: An American Saga is a Civil War-era film series directed and starring Costner, exploring the dramatic expansion of the American West. The series is set against the backdrop of the Civil War, spanning from 1861 to 1865, and delves into the complex tapestry of American history through the experiences of families, friends, and adversaries. The Venice Film Festival has described the series as an ambitious cinematic adventure that examines the Old West’s allure and the cost of its conquest.

In a statement released on the festival’s official website, Costner expressed his excitement about showcasing both Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 at the Venice Film Festival. “My dream was always to show Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter Two at the Venice Film Festival,” Costner said. “The fact that now they have decided to show Chapter One earlier in the day and then the World Premiere of Chapter Two that evening shows not only their belief in how the two films work together but their support of a director’s vision.”

The announcement of the premiere comes at a time when Horizon 1 is nearing the end of its theatrical run. The film’s initial success at the Cannes Film Festival in May provided a promising start, yet its box office performance has been mixed. Critics and audiences alike are keenly anticipating the second chapter of the saga, which promises to further explore the rich and tumultuous period of American history.

The film series boasts an impressive cast, including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Danny Huston, and Michael Rooker. Their performances, alongside Costner’s direction, are expected to bring a compelling portrayal of the Civil War era and the expansion of the American West.

The Venice Film Festival, known for its celebration of cinematic artistry and innovation, will serve as a fitting venue for the premiere of Horizon 2. The festival’s choice to showcase both chapters of the saga highlights their confidence in the films and their support for Costner’s ambitious project.

The description provided by the Venice Film Festival captures the essence of Horizon: An American Saga, noting that the series explores the Old West’s appeal and the trials faced during its settlement. The films aim to offer an emotional journey across a nation torn apart by conflict, experienced through the perspectives of various characters navigating a pivotal period in American history.

As Horizon 2 gears up for its world premiere, anticipation continues to build among fans and critics alike. The Venice Film Festival’s spotlight on the film not only provides a significant platform for its debut but also underscores the enduring appeal of Costner’s cinematic vision.

In summary, Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 will make its highly anticipated world premiere at the 2024 Venice Film Festival on September 7. This follows the recent withdrawal of Horizon 1 from most U.S. theaters and reflects the ongoing commitment to the saga despite its mixed box office performance. With a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the Civil War and a talented cast, the film promises to be a notable addition to the festival’s lineup and a significant moment in Costner’s directorial career.