Kevin Costner’s “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” Finds its Audience Through Streaming
Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, has proven that even the most sweeping stories can find their footing in unexpected places. Despite initial underwhelming box office numbers, the film has gained momentum through streaming platforms, becoming a surprise hit for both Max and Netflix. Costner, who serves as the film’s co-writer, director, and star, always believed in the project’s potential but admits he didn’t anticipate how much streaming would play a role in its success. At the North American premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, Costner reflected on the journey of the first installment, which was initially set to release in theaters alongside its sequel in 2024. However, the decision to delay Chapter 2 allowed Chapter 1 the time it needed to find its audience.
When Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 premiered on Max in August and later on Netflix in December, it began to resonate with viewers in a way it hadn’t in theaters. The film debuted in the top three movie spots domestically on Netflix and landed on the platform’s global Top 10 list. In its first week alone, it amassed an impressive 12 million hours watched, a testament to its growing popularity. While Costner hasn’t seen updated numbers since its initial release, he remains confident that the film has finally found its niche. He shared with Decider at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, “It’s interesting that the movie came out six months ago and people are still finding it with little push from anywhere. It’s standing amongst the biggest movies of the year and it was streamed more than them.” For Costner, this indicates that audiences are craving stories that transport them emotionally and intellectually, which Horizon delivers in spades.
The film’s theatrical run, which began in late June, saw modest returns, earning just $38.7 million on a $100 million budget (before marketing and advertising costs). This figure also accounts for the simultaneous production of Chapter 2. While audiences may have been hesitant to commit to a three-hour Western in theaters, the comfort of streaming has allowed viewers to fully immerse themselves in the film’s sprawling narrative. Set in the mid-1800s, Horizon follows a diverse ensemble of characters as they journey through the American West in search of a better life. The cast includes Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Georgia MacPhail, and Luke Wilson, among others. Chapter 2 is currently without a theatrical release date but is expected to arrive in 2025.
Costner attributes much of the film’s resonance to its strong female characters, who give the story its emotional core. He explained that while the Western genre often focuses on male protagonists, he felt compelled to explore the untold stories of women during this era. “This American Western specifically has women in it,” he said. “When we started writing it, women kept dominating my storyline. You have no West without women. But they were often drug out there against their will, and they just had to live in the fear and the dirt and everything, trying to keep their families clean.” This perspective is brought to life through characters like Elizabeth Kittredge, played by Georgia MacPhail, who embarks on a harrowing journey alongside her mother, Frances (Sienna Miller). The first film opens with the tragic deaths of Frances’ husband and son, and the ensuing narrative follows the mother-daughter duo as they navigate the unforgiving frontier.
MacPhail shared with Decider that she is deeply grateful to Costner not only for the opportunity to be part of the project but also for the lessons her character has taught her. Elizabeth’s journey, marked by resilience in the face of tragedy, serves as a powerful message for young audiences. “I really hope that young girls like Elizabeth in the first movie are able to see that when bad things happen — when tragic things happen to you — you’re able to bounce back. You’re able to learn and grow,” MacPhail said. Fans of the first film will be relieved to hear that Elizabeth’s story takes a lighter turn in Chapter 2, with “a lot less tragedy going on.”
Jon Beavers, who plays Junior Sykes, an outlaw on a mission alongside his brother to find the woman who shot their father, also expressed excitement for the upcoming installment. He praised Costner’s ability to weave together the various plot threads in a way that feels both thematically cohesive and theatrically engaging. “I’m really impressed with the way that Kevin has zeroed in on a few of the stories that he opened up in the first chapter and woven together themes that you didn’t necessarily recognize,” Beavers said. He highlighted Costner’s nuanced storytelling and the film’s ability to balance grandeur with intimate performances.
As audiences await the release of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, there’s no doubt that Costner’s vision has left a lasting impact. The success of Chapter 1 on streaming platforms underscores the evolving landscape of film distribution and the power of storytelling to connect with audiences in new ways. With its rich characters, sweeping vistas, and emotional depth, the Horizon saga is a reminder that some stories are worth the wait. For now, fans can revisit *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter
