How Kevin Costner Really Feels About the Horizon: Chapter 2 Changeup

How Kevin Costner Really Feels About the Horizon: Chapter 2 Changeup

As a seasoned actor and filmmaker with a career spanning over four decades, Kevin Costner has seen it all. From his humble beginnings in small-town California to becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected figures, he’s learned to navigate the industry with a steadfast determination that few can match.


This isn’t Kevin Costner‘s first rodeo.

Prior to the release of “Field of Dreams” in 1989, an article published in Vanity Fair forecasted that the movie might not last long due to its “curious literary” nature and seemingly “undramatic” plot.

You could mention this idea to those countless individuals who have visited the cornfield in Dyersville, Iowa, famously known as the place where Ray Kinsella heard “if you build it, he will come.” However, they might find your words a bit peculiar or unconventional.

Costner stated in an exclusive interview with TopMob News, “Its lack of depth was so profound, it could vanish swiftly,” referring to Field of Dreams. Yet, we continue to commemorate its anniversary. It’s survived the test of time, now transcending into generations. That’s the kind of longevity I aim for with my films, and that’s what I envision for Horizon.”

Costner is recognized for taking bold attempts, some of which turned out to be home runs (such as his three-hour-long directorial debut Dances With Wolves, winning seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Director), while others were well-aimed hits that were caught by the fielders.

Initially, Kevin Costner’s long-awaited miniseries titled “Horizon: An American Saga” faced criticism from the entertainment industry even before its first chapter was released in June. This ambitious four-part story set during westward migration of the Civil War era had been in development for quite some time, causing him to leave “Yellowstone” for this project.

Much to the actor’s… lack of surprise.

How Kevin Costner Really Feels About the Horizon: Chapter 2 Changeup

As a die-hard devotee, I’ve had my fair share of encounters where others have brushed me aside. However, when it comes to “Horizon”, they can no longer disregard its significance. It’s now beyond their control, and for the next fifty years, this film will continue to captivate audiences, regardless of what the box office may suggest. After all, I firmly believe that this movie is destined to be a timeless classic.

As a passionate enthusiast, I find myself drawn to share an experience akin to the enchantment in “Field of Dreams”. Just as one would yearn for their kin to witness that magical ball field, I too long for my children to behold this movie. It’s not merely a western tale but a testament of our ancestors’ journey, a snapshot of history, a vivid portrayal of migration, and the indomitable spirit required to survive. I take immense pride in it.

Afterward, the 69-year-old remains unfazed by the choice to postpone the release of Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2 from its summer schedule, opting not to show it in theaters on Aug. 16, a mere seven weeks after the initial film’s opening.

In a statement dated July 10th, New Line Cinema and Territory Pictures revealed their decision to change direction, aiming to “provide audiences with a better chance to explore the initial installment.” (It’s worth mentioning that the movie quickly reached No. 1 on VOD charts after its release.)

It’s more promising when the Venice Film Festival decides to showcase your movie’s world premiere, as it seems the outlook becomes even more radiant then.

Costner commented that it was a pleasant turn of events when he learned that both the initial films would be shown together on September 7 – with the first one in the morning and the premiere of the second one later in the evening. He implied that they recognize it as a continuous storyline.

In fact, showing Chapter 2 in Italy was originally the dream.

He agreed that the section matched his expectations. Interestingly, he hadn’t foreseen the gaps being six weeks; instead, he had always anticipated longer intervals of four or six months. However, the studio spotted a chance and believed it could turn out to be something significant.

He added, laughing, “I don’t feel that anymore.”

However, he dreamt of a debut in Venice, and as Costner pointed out, they don’t exhibit a film once it has been screened. Consequently, an unexpected event led to another turn of events for him.

How Kevin Costner Really Feels About the Horizon: Chapter 2 Changeup

If he thinks an idea has potential, he takes it seriously and invests significantly. In fact, he invested $38 million (which he confirmed to GQ as the actual amount) of his personal funds to produce Chapter 1.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I firmly believe that once I’ve developed a deep connection with something, it’s rare for me to lose that affection. Unless someone manages to persuade me otherwise and presents a compelling reason for a change of course, such a scenario seldom arises in my experience.

In certain instances, he admitted that others have successfully persuaded him to change his stance. However, regarding this specific situation, he emphasized, “My role is to offer unique perspectives. Frankly, creating a quality western is quite challenging.”

How Kevin Costner Really Feels About the Horizon: Chapter 2 Changeup

In the saga, he takes immense pride in the performances delivered by its extensive cast, particularly as his son, Hayes Costner, played a minor yet impactful role under his direction. However, Costner specifically praised Sienna Miller, Jena Malone, and Abbey Lee for their exceptional performances in Chapter 1 that truly stood out on screen.

As a die-hard fan, I can tell you from personal experience that the sequel takes things to a whole new level! They truly come alive once you get to know them better.

As a die-hard fan, it was crucial for me, just like Costner, to portray an authentic reflection of western expansion. I find myself saying, “Those settlements we see today, whether they’re St. Louis or Tucson, Phoenix, there was a pivotal instant when a solitary stake was driven into the ground. That soil once belonged to a native community who never welcomed them.”

In response to those who cautioned him to face reality, suggesting that a traditional western or any groundbreaking tale destined for the cinema would flop in the era of streaming services, he chose to ignore their warnings.

Besides waking up, he began to detect a scent of freshly brewed coffee. As part of launching the Horizon Blend in collaboration with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, the actor sampled various blends during his extensive promotional tour for Chapter 1.

Costner expressed that he values authenticity in all his actions, as he stated while sipping coffee over a Zoom call from his residence in Santa Barbara. Essentially, he was asking, “Why can’t we make it like this? I do something similar every day.”

Apart from valuing Green Mountain’s collaboration on perfecting his signature dark roast blend, he joked that he’s not above adding extras to the mix, such as chocolate, which is why his Mountainside Mocha Latte is another popular choice among fans.

As his busy schedule before the release of Chapter 1 suggested, it seems that Costner will require plenty of coffee in the lead-up to Chapter 2.

He hadn’t decided yet if Venice would become a large family event similar to Cannes, where he might be accompanied by his daughters Annie (age 40), Lily (38), Grace (14), and sons Cayden (17) and Hayes for the premiere of Chapter 1 (accompanied by its seven-minute standing ovation).

As a lifestyle expert, I’d say: It seems like young Cayden might be planning to take a break from school. However, if he wants to skip those four days, he needs to put forward a strong argument that makes it clear why this is necessary and worth missing his education for.

How Kevin Costner Really Feels About the Horizon: Chapter 2 Changeup

Absolutely, the man with seven children was indeed tempted to simply agree, hinting with a secretive grin that education might not have been his main focus during his time. Nevertheless, Costner added, “I enjoy having him around me.”

Then, once Chapter 2 is in the audience’s hands, the process starts all over again.

On some days, a cup of morning coffee helps me find my stride. Yet, no matter how delicious the coffee, the issues remain unresolved once I finish. This, according to Costner, is his experience when facing the challenges that inevitably arise during filmmaking. However, there are instances where it all proves incredibly rewarding.

He shared, “The times when I come up with a fresh idea under pressure, especially in situations where nobody else had considered it before or found a solution to a complex problem, are the moments that give me the greatest sense of fulfillment. Today, I feel proud because I’ve accomplished something significant.”

Better brew another cup, because he’s coming back for more tomorrow.

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2024-08-10 15:18