### Why Luke Wilson Was Unsure About His Casting in Horizon: It Completely Threw Me Off
Luke Wilson, known for his diverse roles in Hollywood, recently opened up about his initial uncertainty regarding his casting in Kevin Costner’s new Wild West epic, *Horizon*. The film, which is a multi-part story set during the American Civil War, marks a significant departure from Wilson’s previous work. “I’ve done dramas, a couple of low-budget Westerns, and even a comedic Western with Adam Sandler,” Wilson told PEOPLE. “But I certainly had never done anything like this.”
*Horizon* is a sprawling narrative that explores the expansion and settlement of the American West. The first chapter is set to hit theaters on June 28, with the second chapter following on August 16. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Ella Hunt, Danny Huston, Tom Payne, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, and Will Patton.
Wilson’s journey to being cast in *Horizon* was anything but straightforward. He recalls a Zoom meeting with Costner that left him bewildered. “I was on location in New Jersey, and Kevin was in Utah for *Horizon*. We had a Zoom call, and I considered it a job interview. He might have known that he was hiring me, but I didn’t,” Wilson said. The meeting was intimidating for Wilson, who grew up as a big fan of Costner. “Speaking with Kevin, who reminded me of how focused my dad could be, I was trying to put my best foot forward and talk to him about the script.”
The turning point came when Costner said, “Well, I hope you’ll want to come work with me.” Wilson was taken aback. “I thought, ‘Shoot, this guy just offered me the job!’ It completely threw me off. I just muttered, ‘Oh. Hell yeah, hell yeah.’ That’s how I got started on it.”
Reflecting on his career, Wilson noted that *Horizon* is a unique and invigorating experience. “I’m 52 now, and I think I’ve been doing this since I was 22 or 23. It’s refreshing, this far into the game, to have a completely new and totally invigorating experience — and of course, a real challenge.”
*Horizon* premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received a 10-minute standing ovation, moving Costner to tears. The film is a passion project for Costner, who has invested $38 million of his own fortune into its production. “I do what I believe in,” Costner said, defending his financial commitment to the film.
Despite the initial confusion and uncertainty, Wilson is excited about his role in *Horizon*. “It’s a great, one-of-a-kind thing for me to be a part of,” he said. The film’s ambitious scope and intricate storytelling have made it a standout project in Wilson’s career.
The film’s narrative complexity and multi-character drama have drawn mixed reviews. Some critics have noted that *Horizon* feels more like the seedbed for a miniseries than a standalone film. “Much of what happens is wispy and not very forceful; the film doesn’t build in impact, and it seldom seems to aim in a clear direction,” wrote Owen Gleiberman in Variety. However, the film’s stunning location scenery and evocative music by John Debney have been praised.
Wilson’s character, Matthew Van Weyden, is one of the many frontiersmen navigating the challenges of the American West. The film’s intricate plot and numerous storylines have made it a complex but rewarding project for Wilson. “It’s a real challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting,” he said.
As *Horizon* prepares for its theatrical release, Wilson remains optimistic about the film’s impact. “It’s a big ask for audiences, but I think it’s worth it,” he said. The film’s ambitious scope and intricate storytelling promise to offer a unique cinematic experience.
In the end, Wilson’s initial uncertainty about his casting in *Horizon* has given way to excitement and anticipation. “It’s a completely new and totally invigorating experience,” he said. As audiences prepare to embark on this epic journey, Wilson’s performance as Matthew Van Weyden is sure to be a highlight of the film.
*Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1* is set to hit theaters on June 28, with Chapter 2 following on August 16. For Wilson, the film represents a significant milestone in his career, offering a unique and challenging role that has pushed him to new heights.
Source: PEOPLE, Variety
