“Horizon: An American Saga,” Kevin Costner‘s risk-it-all Western epic, rode into Cannes on Sunday, earning a seven-minute standing ovation.
Costner was visibly emotional as the film received huge applause and chants of “Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!” During his speech, Costner thanked the audience and promised “three more” installments of the “Horizon” franchise, which is already due to get a sequel in August.
“I’m sorry you had to clap that long for me to understand that I should speak,” Costner said to laughter. “Such good people. Such a good moment, not just for me, but for the actors that came with me, for people who believed in me who continued to work. It’s a funny business, and I’m so glad I found it. There’s no place like here. I’ll never forget this — either will my children.”
The film, a two-part look at the expansion of the American west, is told from the prospective of the cattle ranchers, farmers and soldiers building a future for themselves in the region, as well as the Natives who lived there first. It’s a deeply personal project for Costner, who put much of his own fortune into making the $100 million-pus film, including mortgaging his ranch. He directs and stars in the film, which he also produced and co-wrote.
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The Western genre has been kind to Costner over the years. He had a box office hit with “Open Range” and a blockbuster smash with “Dances With Wolves,” both of which he directed. Costner also won Oscars for producing and directing “Dances with Wolves.” Much of the pre-release publicity for “Horizon” has centered on Costner’s messy break from “Yellowstone,” the hit show that he anchors and abruptly left despite its ratings success. The show’s producers alleged that Costner had been less available when the complicated production of “Horizon” monopolized his time.
Costner showed the first part of “Horizon” at Cannes on Sunday. It opens on June 28 in the U.S. with the second chapter debuting in theaters on Aug. 16. That release strategy carries its own risks — if the first installment is a dud, will people show up for its follow-up?
The ensemble of “Horizon” includes Sienna Miller,Sam Worthington,Giovanni Ribisi,Jena Malone,Abbey Lee,Michael Rooker,Danny Huston,Luke Wilson,Isabelle Fuhrman,Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Jamie Campbell BowerandThomas Haden Church.
