Horizon – Chapter 2 (2024)

Overview

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 is the second installment in Kevin Costner’s ambitious four-part Western epic. Set in the American West during the Civil War era, the film continues the stories introduced in Chapter 1, weaving together multiple characters, families, and conflicts amid the nation’s turbulent expansion.

Directed, co-written, produced by, and starring Kevin Costner, the film also features returning cast members such as Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, and Giovanni Ribisi. Its blend of personal drama and large-scale historical narrative aims to deliver both spectacle and emotional depth.

Premiere and Release Status

The film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival on September 7, 2024, and was later screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2025. Although originally scheduled for theatrical release on August 16, 2024, Chapter 2 was pulled from the release calendar following the underwhelming box office performance of Chapter 1. As of now, no new release date has been confirmed, and the film remains unreleased to the general public.

Plot and Style

Chapter 2 continues to follow the intersecting lives of settlers, Native American tribes, soldiers, and outlaws as the American frontier evolves during the 1860s. The film further explores themes of violence, survival, love, and betrayal—all set against the vast, untamed landscapes of the West.

Running over three hours, the film maintains a slow-burning pace, filled with character-driven storytelling and sweeping cinematography. Critics have noted that the film feels more like a prestige television miniseries than a traditional theatrical experience, with a segmented narrative and multiple plotlines unfolding in parallel.

Critical Reception

Early reactions from festival screenings have been mixed. While some critics praised the film’s ambition, performances, and visual grandeur, others criticized its episodic structure and lack of narrative payoff. The film currently holds a moderate reception score, suggesting that audience interest may be divided depending on expectations and appreciation for slow-paced historical epics.

Cast and Crew

• Kevin Costner as Hayes Ellison, a central figure in the expanding frontier

• Sienna Miller as Frances Kittredge, a woman trying to protect her family amid chaos

• Sam Worthington as First Lt. Trent Gephardt, a Union soldier navigating shifting loyalties

• Giovanni Ribisi, Ella Hunt, and Luke Wilson round out the ensemble cast

The film was co-written by Kevin Costner and Jon Baird, with music composed by John Debney and cinematography by J. Michael Muro.

Legal Controversy

In May 2025, a serious legal allegation surfaced against Kevin Costner and the production team. Stunt performer Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit claiming that an unscripted and unauthorized assault scene was directed and filmed without proper consent or preparation. According to her account, the scene caused emotional trauma and violated agreed safety protocols.

Costner’s team has denied the allegations, stating that the shot in question was rehearsed and non-sexual in nature. They also claim that the performer expressed gratitude after the filming. The legal case remains ongoing and has sparked wider industry discussions about on-set safety and the role of intimacy coordination in large productions.

Future of the Franchise

Kevin Costner has long envisioned Horizon as a four-part cinematic saga. While Chapter 2 is completed, the future of Chapters 3 and 4 remains uncertain due to both the financial underperformance of the first film and the ongoing legal and public relations issues. Filming for Chapter 3 was planned but is currently on hold.

Final Thoughts

Horizon: Chapter 2 was meant to continue an epic journey through the American frontier but now finds itself in limbo. Although it features sweeping landscapes, historical themes, and a star-studded cast, the project’s future is clouded by mixed critical reception and legal controversy.

Whether the film eventually finds its audience through theaters or streaming platforms remains to be seen. For now, fans of Western epics and Kevin Costner’s vision must wait to see if Chapter 2 will ever ride into the public eye.