Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Costner provided a glimpse of his ambitious new Western project, “Horizon: An American Saga” at CinemaCon 2024.
– The epic adventure will be divided into two parts, with the first part making its debut at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19.
– Costner shared details about the film's themes and its depiction of American history during a Warner Bros. panel.
– “Horizon: An American Saga” features an ensemble cast and is co-written by Costner and Jon Baird.
Buzz is building around Kevin Costner's latest project, “Horizon: An American Saga.” Unveiled at CinemaCon 2024, this Western epic that tells a sprawling account of how America's settlers won the West piqued the audience's interest.
The Director's Cut
At a Warner Bros. panel discussion, Costner shared his perspective on his latest work. He explained that the movie attempts to capture the complex promise of America during the Westwards expansion. The film doesn't shy away from showing how this dream was achieved at the cost of the civil rights of those who had been on the land for thousands of years. Costner noted that the tale doesn't pass judgment on these historical realities but instead portrays them as the drama they were.
Behind the Scenes
Costner reminisced about the making of the film, stating that he leans towards “Journey” movies rather than “plot movies.” He mentioned that the span of “Horizon: An American Saga” extends over 12 years, capturing the period before and during the Civil War, although it is not about the war per se. He stressed on how rapidly the Old West vanished after the Civil War ended.
A Long Journey
Costner's commitment to “Horizon: An American Saga” is unquestionable as he started working on the project back in 1988. He hopes to turn the series into a franchise that will have viewers hooked for hours in theaters. His devotion to the cinematic project extends to the point that the character he created back in 1988 is so significant to him that he named his son, Hayes, after him.
Epic Screenings
The audience at CinemaCon were privileged to witness an extended look at both parts of this American Saga. The films appear to be an exciting blend of adventure, interpersonal relationships, vistas of the Old West, and the struggle of the settlers. Costner's character, a drifter trying to find a home, takes in a prostitute (Abbey Lee) and her baby, while Sienna Miller and Sam Worthington portray settlers separated by the war.
An Ensemble Like No Other
Adding to the grandeur of the film is an ensemble cast that features Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Danny Huston, Michael Rooker, and many more acclaimed actors. With Costner wearing multiple hats – directing, starring, producing, and co-writing alongside Jon Baird, the film promises to deliver an epic experience to fans around the world.
When Can We Expect It?
“Horizon: An American Saga” has been split into two parts – the first will premiere on May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival, followed by a theater release on June 28. The second part is set to grace theaters on August 16.
Stay tuned for more updates as Costner's ambitious project promises to weave a mesmerising narrative about the Old West, tearing open the pages of American history like never before.
