Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated second installment of “Horizon: An American Saga” has been delayed from its original August 16th premiere date. This announcement comes just a few weeks after the first film in the series hit theaters, only to be met with lackluster box office results. The tepid reception has raised questions about the future of the series, which Costner, both creator and star, plans to expand into a total of four films.
Costner’s passion project, which appears to be attracting an older audience, has not achieved the immediate success of his previous show “Yellowstone,” which quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase. With Costner directing and funding much of the production himself, this delay represents a significant setback for the film series. The Hollywood Reporter first broke the news, explaining that the delay aims to give the first film more time to grow its audience, thereby increasing the box office potential for future installments.
“Costner’s Territory Pictures and distribution partner New Line Cinema made the decision to switch up their ambitious release plan in hopes of allowing more time to grow the audience for the first film, which sports a $100 million price tag,” the Hollywood Reporter wrote. Although there is currently no set date for when Chapter 2 will hit the big screen, there is still hope and expectation that the film will eventually be released.
In the meantime, Chapter 1 will soon be available for home streaming on platforms like PVOD and MAX. While no specific date has been announced for its streaming release, fans can expect more information on how to watch at home soon. The film, which tells the story of the great migration west, has earned a B- CinemaScore and mixed reviews, with a 47 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Despite the delay, Costner has reportedly already begun production on the third film in the series earlier this year. This indicates his commitment to seeing the project through, even in the face of these recent challenges. The delay of the second film is a strategic move to ensure that the series has a better chance of success in the long run.
The first film’s underwhelming performance at the box office has been a point of concern. It seems that the film’s appeal has been limited primarily to an older demographic, which may not be enough to sustain a four-part series. This is in stark contrast to “Yellowstone,” which managed to capture a wide and dedicated audience relatively quickly. The difference in reception between the two projects highlights the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
Costner’s decision to delay the second film is a calculated risk. By allowing more time for the first film to find its audience, he hopes to build a stronger foundation for the subsequent installments. This approach could potentially pay off, but it also comes with its own set of risks. The longer the delay, the more likely it is that audience interest could wane.
The financial stakes are high, given the $100 million budget for the first film. The success of the series hinges on its ability to attract a larger audience and generate sufficient box office revenue. The delay is a clear indication that Costner and his team are willing to make adjustments to their original plan in order to achieve this goal.
The mixed reviews for the first film also play a role in this decision. With a 47 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has received a lukewarm response from critics. This mixed reception could impact audience interest in the second film. By delaying the release, Costner and his team have more time to address any issues and potentially improve the reception of the series as a whole.
The availability of the first film on streaming platforms like PVOD and MAX could also help in building its audience. Streaming offers a convenient way for viewers to watch the film from the comfort of their homes, which could attract more viewers who may have been hesitant to go to theaters. This could, in turn, generate more interest in the second film when it is eventually released.
Despite the challenges, there is still a sense of optimism surrounding the project. Costner’s dedication to the series and his willingness to make strategic adjustments demonstrate his commitment to its success. Fans of the first film and Costner’s work in general remain hopeful that the delay will ultimately benefit the series.
In conclusion, the delay of Kevin Costner’s second “Horizon” film is a strategic move aimed at giving the first film more time to grow its audience. While this represents a setback, it also offers an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for the series. With the first film soon to be available on streaming platforms, there is still hope that the series will find its audience and achieve the success that Costner envisions.
Source: KMXV-FM, Steel City Media, The Hollywood Reporter
