Kevin Costner vows to complete Horizon trilogy despite tepid box office returns

Kevin Costner is undeterred. The legendary actor and filmmaker announces his plans to make three installments in his sweeping western epic Horizon: An American Saga, and that's exactly what he plans to do. The first installment was released to lukewarm reviews and even worse box office, leading to the delay of the second film.

Horizon: Chapter 2 will scree out of competition at the Venice Film Festival, and Costner did a Q&A on the franchise's future while attending. He discussed his influences and his overall vision, but the most revelatory part of his Q&A (per Deadline) came when he was asked about the final chapter in the series.

Costner has put $100 million of his own money into the series

The Horizon films have not been cheap to make, and Costner has put his own money into them. He has reportedly spent $98 million of his own money to get the first two made, which is a number that will cross $100 million by the time the series is complete.

Some filmmakers would be deterred by this massive financial commitment, especially since the first film did not exactly light up the box office. Costner is not some filmmakers. He told the Venice crowd that he will get the third film made no matter what.

"“I have to hurry and not let the rock fall back downhill. I don’t know how I’m gonna make 3 right now, but I’m gonna make it."

He believes the series will stand the test of time

Costner admitted there would be difficulties, and likened his behind the scenes struggles with those of the characters in the Horizon films. The actor/director also acknowledged that the first film did not meet financial expectations, and asserted that it will stand the test of time as a piece of quality work. “It didn’t have overwhelming success," he conceded. "[But] I’ve had a lot of movies that way that have stood the test of time."

He's not wrong. It's difficult to not admire Costner's gumption, and we sincerely hope that he gets to complete his sprawling vision of the old west. A wide theatrical release Horizon: Chapter 2 has not yet been announced. Chapter 1 is now streaming on Amazon Prime and Hulu.