Kevin Costner's Ambitious Western Horizon Falters at Box Office, Second Chapter Canceled

Kevin Costner's latest project, the western saga "Horizon," has faced significant challenges following its theatrical release. Despite the ambitious attempt, the first chapter's underwhelming performance has led to the cancellation of the second chapter's theatrical debut. With a hefty $100 million budget, the first chapter only managed to secure a meager $11 million in its opening weekend, accumulating a total of $22.6 million to date.

Theatrical Setback

New Line Cinema, a subsidiary of Warner Bros., made the decision to scrap the theatrical release of "Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2," originally slated for August 16. This unexpected turn of events has prompted a reevaluation of the project's future and the approach to its release. 

As a result of the first chapter's unsatisfactory box office results, "Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1" will now be accessible through premium video on demand starting this Tuesday. This strategic move aims to broaden the audience's access to the initial installment of the "Horizon" series. Furthermore, the film will also be offered on Max, the streaming service affiliated with Warner Bros. Discovery, with the release date yet to be announced.  

Future of the Saga

The original plan for "Horizon" involved a total of four chapters, with the first two intended to be experienced in succession. However, with the setback of the first chapter, the release strategy for the subsequent installments remains uncertain. Those who had already purchased tickets for the second "Horizon" film will be eligible for a refund.

The challenges encountered by "Horizon" have prompted a rethinking of its distribution and audience engagement. The transition to video on demand represents a shift in approach, as the creators seek to attract a wider viewership and salvage the potential of the saga. 

The future release of the second chapter and the overall reception of "Horizon" continue to be subjects of speculation within the entertainment industry. The endeavor, spearheaded by Kevin Costner, may have faltered in its initial theatrical release, but its journey is far from over. As the first chapter finds a new platform through video on demand, the evolving narrative of "Horizon" remains one to watch.