Kevin Costner addresses the release of the canceled Horizon Chapter 2 after the poor box office of Chapter 1

With the future of the franchise in a state of limbo, Kevin Costner is appealing Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2s canceled notice. Costner’s four-part western epic franchise had a rough start with Chapter 1s release in June 2024, where it only earned $36.1 million against its $50 million production budget and saw a generally mixed reception from critics. While the second installment is slated for an August release, Warner Bros Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2s release, leaving it unscheduled as of the time of writing, although it brought it to the Venice International Film Festival.

In honor of its Venice premiere, Costner discussed Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 and the future of the franchise during a press conference (per Variety). When asked about the decision to cancel the sequel’s wide release, the co-writer/director/producer/star reflected that it”Probably was a reaction“By WB to Chapter 1s box office underperformance:

It did not have overwhelming success. I have had a lot of movies that way, which have stood the test of time.

Costner would, however, go on to explain that there are some upsides Chapter 2s release cancellation, one is that he had to screen the sequel in Venice, which he “would never“Could pretend the studio wouldn’t have let him do it”If it is already outHe also explained that It fits into his original release schedule for the movie:

For me, it fell back into my schedule, which was that I always wanted to come out with movies about five to six months apart. And this is going to allow me to come to Venice. I would never come to Venice, because they won’t show the film here if it’s already out.

WB evaluates their best option for the release of the sequel

Although the decision was shocking and understandable to those after the reception of the first movie, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2‘s canceled release certainly created concerns about Costner’s plans for the rest of the franchise. The fact that the filmmaker indicates that the decision came from the studio rather than himself is an interesting updateAlthough, consider Costner himself confirmed that he put up 38 million dollars of his own money To make the first two parts, which are estimated to cost a combined $ 100 million. As such, one would think he would have some say about the movie’s release plans.

Even still, with Costner saying it was a “Studio decision“To cancel the initial release of the sequel, it seems clear that WB is evaluating their best options for when to release Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. Beyond just production, the studio is the one that foots the bill for marketing and putting the movies in theaters, then requiring a better assurance that they will at least make their money back, if not hopefully also make a profit, from them. Despite the film’s box office struggles, Chapter 1 became a hit on VOD, likely giving them some confidence in the sequel.

What this all means for future Horizon movies

Costner has an uphill road ahead of him

Costner may be confident about moving forward with his other two movies in the Western saga, but the future is really in an uneasy state right now. The Early reports of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2The Venice premiere is mixed-to-negativeSimilar to that of Chapter 1s first reviews from its Cannes premiere. While audience that gave Chapter 1 A 70% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes may be more cautious to trust the reviews, it’s a tough road ahead for both Chapter 2 and future installments.

Even worse is the fact that Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3s filming is currently stalledWith Costner assuring that he plans to finish it and potentially shoot Chapter 4 Back-to-back in spring 2025, while other reports indicate that he is looking for the finances to complete the production. If Costner’s vision is as bold for the remaining two movies as the first two, he’ll likely need another $100 million to shoot both Chapter 3 And 4A great question when considering how Chapter 1 Met at the box office.

The biggest thing that could boost the future of the franchise is if WB moves forward Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 In theaters. Considering Chapter 1 was sandwiched between the more family-friendly fare of Inside Out 2 And Despicable Me 4As well as A Quiet Place: Day Onesuccess, It would be the studio to aim for a less crowded 2025 release windowWith early November is a viable option to only pit it against the Marvel Cinematic Universe Blade Reboot and Now you see me 3.

Source: Variety

Key background

• Although the first chapter of the western saga gained some traction with streaming audiences, it is still too early to say if the sequels are safe from cancellation.

• Horizon Chapter 2 was pulled from its planned August 16 release date after Horizon Chapter 1 Beaten on his debut.

• Critics who saw the premiere of the sequel at the Venice Film Festival say that despite its flaws, it is still more fun to watch than the first film.