“Horizon: An American Saga Finds New Horizons on Max”

If everything had gone as planned, Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2 would already be in theaters, potentially bolstering Kevin Costner’s epic western franchise. Instead, the first chapter is now streaming on Max, aiming to reach a broader audience and clarify the future of the franchise.

Premiering on Max on August 23, Horizon: An American Saga was penned, directed, and starred by Costner, featuring a sprawling narrative about the West’s expansion. The ensemble cast includes Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, and others.

Anticipation for Horizon was high, partly due to Costner’s departure from Yellowstone and the planned quick release of its chapters. However, critical reception was mixed, with a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences were more favorable at 70%. Despite this, the film struggled at the box office, earning $34.3 million against a $100 million budget. Consequently, Warner Bros. has pulled Chapter 2 from its release schedule, though it might premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September.

The shift to streaming might change perceptions. Max viewers who skipped the theatrical release might now be inclined to watch, potentially boosting the film’s popularity. Warner Bros. hopes this strategy will help the film gain traction and create a stronger foundation for Chapter 2’s eventual release.