Kevin Costner hasn’t given up on Horizon 3, but the universe seems determined to stop him. If you’ve been following the Horizon: An American Saga experiment—and at this point, it is strictly an experiment in stubborn auteurism—you know the math isn’t adding up.
Costner is still hunting for cash to finish his sprawling western, but he’s now fighting a war on multiple fronts. The latest hit? A lawsuit alleging he hasn’t even paid the tab for the clothes on his actors’ backs in Chapter 2.
The New Bill: Western Costume Wants Their $440K
On Monday, Western Costume lodged a breach-of-contract lawsuit against Costner in California state court. The claim is straightforward and bruising: Costner allegedly owes approximately $440,000 in outstanding fees for costume rentals on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The suit also tacks on additional costs for alleged damage to several garments.
This isn’t just a clerical error; it’s a symptom of a production under siege. When the costume house takes you to court over rental fees, it usually means the cash flow has dried up. This latest legal headache arrives at a precarious moment. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Costner is pressing ahead with his determination to complete the saga, despite mounting financial strain that would make a major studio blink.
Chapter 2: The Movie That Exists, But Doesn’t
The irony of this lawsuit is that it concerns a film that is largely finished but currently homeless. Horizon: Chapter 2 was originally slated for release last summer. That plan was nixed immediately after the first installment grossed a disastrous $38M against a $100M budget (for both films).
The film is now in limbo. It screened at the Venice Film Festival—to less-than-stellar reviews—but currently has no release date. Costner reportedly poured $38M of his own money into this project, mortgaging his estate to get it made, only to see the second chapter shelved indefinitely.
The Bigger Picture: Lawsuits and Failed Pitches
The costume lawsuit is just the latest piling on. Costner is already facing a separate, far more serious legal battle from a stunt performer on Chapter 2. That suit alleges sexual harassment and retaliation regarding an unscripted rape scene filmed without a contractually mandated intimacy coordinator.
Meanwhile, the hunt for future funding is hitting walls. Costner recently traveled to Saudi Arabia to pitch officials on backing the third and fourth chapters. Those discussions reportedly failed to produce an agreement.
As it stands, Chapter 3 was not fully financed as of last year, with only nine days of footage shot. While there is speculation that a deal to build a $100M studio in Utah could offer a lifeline, there is no timeline for construction. The saga is hemorrhaging money, facing multiple lawsuits, and running out of road. Costner may believe he can make the rest of the saga for $70M per film, but without a distributor or investors biting, that number might as well be imaginary.
- Western Costume Lawsuit: Costner is sued for ~$440,000 in unpaid costume rental fees and damages for Chapter 2.
- Sequel Stalled: Horizon: Chapter 2 has no release date after the first film flopped ($38M gross vs. $100M budget).
- Funding Failed: A recent pitch to Saudi officials for Chapter 3 and 4 financing failed to reach an agreement.
- Production Status: Only nine days of Chapter 3 have been shot; the project remains in limbo.
- Other Legal Issues: Costner faces a separate lawsuit from a stunt performer alleging sexual harassment on the set of Chapter 2.
FAQ: Horizon Saga Issues
What is the new lawsuit against Kevin Costner regarding Horizon?
Western Costume has sued Costner for breach of contract, claiming he owes approximately $440,000 in unpaid costume rental fees and damages associated with Horizon: Chapter 2.
Will Horizon: Chapter 2 be released?
It is currently unclear. The film was pulled from its original release schedule after the first film’s poor box office performance. Despite screening at the Venice Film Festival, it currently has no domestic release date.
Is Horizon: Chapter 3 being filmed?
No. Only nine days of footage were shot. The film was not fully financed as of last year and remains in limbo while Costner searches for investors.
Did Kevin Costner secure funding in Saudi Arabia?
No. Reports indicate Costner traveled to Saudi Arabia to pitch the third and fourth chapters to officials, but the discussions failed to produce an agreement.
