Kevin Costner’s long-anticipated Western epic Horizon: An American Saga has encountered a serious roadblock—not on the dusty plains of the Old West, but in a modern courtroom. Once hailed as a deeply personal passion project, the film is now at the center of a legal battle that threatens to overshadow its cinematic ambitions.
Costner, who not only stars in but also directs and co-wrote the film, reportedly poured millions of his own money into Horizon and even sought additional funding from private investors and billionaires to bring the sweeping saga to life. The project, envisioned as a multi-part series chronicling the expansion of the American frontier, had long been a dream of the Oscar-winning filmmaker.
However, recent reports suggest that disputes over financial agreements and project management have led to legal action involving one or more of the film’s backers. While specific details remain limited, sources close to the production describe growing tensions around budget overruns, distribution deals, and alleged breaches of contract.
This legal turmoil comes at a sensitive time for Costner, who recently exited his popular role in Yellowstone to focus more fully on Horizon. The first installment of the film is still slated for release in 2025, though it remains to be seen how the courtroom drama will affect its timeline—or its legacy.
Despite the setback, Costner remains committed to his vision. In past interviews, he’s spoken passionately about telling stories that reflect the complexity and grit of American history. Whether Horizon will ultimately fulfill that vision or become another cautionary tale of Hollywood ambition gone awry now rests, in part, with the courts.