Kevin Costner, the renowned actor, has unveiled the highly-anticipated trailer for his upcoming Western series, ‘Horizon: An American Saga.’ This epic four-part post-Civil War Western has captivated audiences with its sweeping landscapes, intense gunfights, and clash of civilizations between cavalry soldiers and Indigenous people. The trailer showcases the film’s old-fashioned grandeur and promises an enthralling journey for viewers.
Costner’s involvement in ‘Horizon’ goes beyond acting; he co-wrote and directed the series as well. The first film is set to hit theaters on June 28, followed by the release of the second chapter just two months later. While the final two films are yet to be shot, Costner’s dedication to this project is evident. He even took out a loan on his Santa Barbara home to help finance the picture. The production of the first two films alone contributed $100 million to Utah’s economy, where they were filmed.
In a moderated discussion about the ‘Horizon’ trailer, Costner dryly remarked, “When no one wanted to make the first one, I got the bright idea to make four.” He wanted to break away from the traditional Western narrative, where a town already exists, and instead focus on a mysterious protagonist who arrives on the horizon. The story delves into the struggles and hardships faced by ordinary people, particularly women, as they navigate their way through life in the West.
Costner emphasized his commitment to portraying authentic lives and experiences in ‘Horizon.’ He stated, “I’m drawn to the little things that people had to endure. So to me, Horizon was worth holding on to because I just felt like I wanted to tell it.” The film aims to capture the essence of real-life struggles and challenges faced by individuals during that era. Costner believes that the movie will speak louder than anything he can say.
Comparing the difficulties he faced while making ‘Horizon’ to his Oscar-winning film ‘Dances With Wolves,’ Costner revealed that the former was a much bigger struggle. Despite spending six years writing the script, he managed to shoot the entire movie in just 52 days. Costner’s experience and expertise allowed him to employ various techniques to bring this ambitious project to life.
The production of ‘Horizon’ has also impacted Costner’s involvement in the hit drama series ‘Yellowstone.’ As he shifted his focus to the ‘Horizon’ films, tensions arose between Costner and the ‘Yellowstone’ team. While the show’s team complained about Costner’s reduced availability, his team blamed script delays. It remains uncertain whether Costner will return to ‘Yellowstone’ to conclude his character’s storyline when the show resumes for its fifth season. Paramount has announced that the remaining episodes will mark the end of the series and pave the way for a ‘Yellowstone’ sequel with the working title ‘2024.’
One striking aspect of the ‘Horizon’ trailer is its vibrant and colorful palette, reminiscent of Technicolor films. This departure from the dark and gritty style commonly associated with Westerns since Clint Eastwood’s ‘Unforgiven’ adds a unique visual appeal to the series. Costner believes that classic elements endure across decades and aims to create a lasting cinematic experience that transcends trends.
Addressing the depiction of clashes between white settlers and Indigenous people, Costner expressed his desire to portray historical events accurately. He acknowledged the great injustice that occurred during that time but also recognized the courage and resourcefulness of his ancestors who embarked on this journey. The film seeks to showcase the clash of cultures and serves as a reminder of America’s history.
Delving deeper into the subject of morality in the Old West, Costner argued against judging people based on their actions in another century. He highlighted the dramatic nature of resolving conflicts without external assistance, especially when dealing with sociopaths. Costner emphasized the impact of the post-Civil War era on people’s lives and the challenges they faced as they ventured westward.
‘Horizon’ boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jeff Fahey, Will Patton, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Ella Hunt, and Jamie Campbell Bower. The collaboration between these talented actors promises to deliver a captivating and immersive Western experience.
After more than three decades since his directing Oscar win for ‘Dances With Wolves,’ Costner returns to the Western genre with ‘Horizon: An American Saga.’ This ambitious project showcases his passion for storytelling and commitment to portraying authentic experiences. As audiences eagerly await the release of the first film in June, ‘Horizon’ promises to be a cinematic journey that captivates and resonates with viewers for years to come.
