Kevin Costner’s dream Western, Horizon: An American Saga, has taken a dramatic turn — and not the kind he scripted. After pouring over $50 million of his own money into the film, even mortgaging his Santa Barbara property, Costner now finds himself entangled in a legal standoff with New Line Cinema and City National Bank.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the dispute centers on a co-financing agreement. City National Bank initiated arbitration proceedings against both Horizon Series, Costner’s production company, and New Line Cinema, alleging unpaid financing obligations. In response, New Line filed a crossclaim against Horizon Series, asserting it had covered costs that Horizon failed to pay.
The financial turmoil follows the film's disappointing box office performance. Despite its $100 million budget, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 grossed only $11 million in its opening week. Originally envisioned as a four-part epic, the future of the remaining chapters is now uncertain.
Adding to the controversy, Costner's commitment to Horizon led to his departure from the final season of Yellowstone, sparking backlash from fans. He cited scheduling conflicts and a lack of scripts as reasons for his exit, emphasizing his dedication to the series.
As legal battles loom and the fate of Horizon hangs in the balance, Costner's ambitious endeavor stands as a testament to the risks of passion projects in Hollywood.
