Having gotten back in the saddle by starring in western TV series Yellowstone, Kevin Costner is returning to the genre on the big screen. He’s reportedly set to direct and star in Horizon, an epic western passion project for the award-winning actor and filmmaker that will see him direct for the first time since 2003’s Open Range, also a western.
Horizon takes place at the time of Western expansion, spanning 15 years surrounding the Civil War. It recounts the tale of settlers making their way across America and the dangers that await them in their search for a more prosperous life.
The premise is not dissimilar to Yellowstone spinoff 1883, though the film reportedly takes a grounded view of everyday settlers and the harrowing choices that need to be made in order to survive the trek out West. Costner describe the project further in a statement to Deadline:
“America’s expansion into the west was one that was fraught with peril and intrigue from the natural elements, to the interactions with the indigenous peoples who lived on the land, and the determination and at many times ruthlessness of those who sought to settle it.
Horizon tells the story of that journey in an honest and forthcoming way, highlighting the points of view and consequences of the characters’ life and death decisions.”
In addition to starring, Costner will also handle production and financing through his company, Territory Pictures. The appeal of Horizon is obvious, as Costner has already created a classic, award-winning western in the form of 1990’s Dances With Wolves. Open Range was also acclaimed although hasn’t stuck in the cultural consciousness quite as much.
It will be fascinating to see if Costner can create another epic western experience at a time when the genre is having a mini renaissance, with Yellowstone pulling in record numbers in America – the season four finale viewership numbers rivaled The Walking Dead in its heyday. We’ll see if that translates to the big screen and internationally.
Production on Horizon is set to begin in Utah on Monday, August 29.
#Peace.Love.Horizon
