Kevin Costner's passion project Horizon: An American Saga has suffered a major setback as its second chapter has been pulled from its scheduled August 16 theatrical release. The film, into which Costner poured $38 million of his own money, has underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews since its late June premiere.
New Line Cinema and Costner's production company Territory Pictures announced the decision to delay Horizon: Chapter 2 to allow audiences more time to discover the first instalment. The first film will be available on premium video-on-demand from July 16, with a release on streaming service Max yet to be confirmed.
In a joint statement, the studios said: 'Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema have decided not to release Horizon: Chapter 2 on August 16 in order to give audiences a greater opportunity to discover the first instalment... We thank our exhibition partners for their continued support.'
Costner's company added: 'The audience response to Horizon, and enthusiasm for seeing our story continue in Horizon 2, has been incredibly gratifying... We welcome the opportunity for that window to be expanded.'
The first film, budgeted at $100 million, earned only $11 million on its opening weekend and $24 million total to date. Costner, who directed and stars in the Western saga, has been working on the project for over 15 years and plans to expand the Utah set into a major filming compound.
