Festivals - Cannes 2024: Horizon: An American Saga World Premiere

By Mulder, Cannes, Palais des Festivals, 20 may 2024

The 77th Cannes Film Festival witnessed a monumental event on May 19, 2024, with the world premiere of Horizon: An American Saga, a two-part American epic Western directed by and starring Kevin Costner. This film represents a significant milestone in Kevin Costner's career and a culmination of a vision that has been decades in the making. Chapter 1, which premiered at Cannes, is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on June 28, 2024, while Chapter 2 is set to follow on August 16, 2024.

Horizon: An American Saga features an impressive ensemble cast, showcasing some of Hollywood's most talented actors. Alongside Kevin Costner, the film stars Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jeff Fahey, Will Patton, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Ella Hunt, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Thomas Haden Church. Each actor brings their unique talent to the film, contributing to its rich tapestry of characters and narratives.

Kevin Costner first conceived the idea for Horizon in 1988, inspired by his passion for the Western genre and the historical narratives it encompasses. Following the success of his 2003 Western Open Range, Kevin Costner approached Walt Disney Pictures with the project, envisioning it as a single film. Despite initial interest, it took several decades for the project to gain the necessary momentum. In January 2022, it was officially announced that Kevin Costner would not only direct and produce the film but also star in it, making it a deeply personal project for him. The involvement of Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema in April 2022 was a turning point, providing the essential support to bring Kevin Costner's ambitious vision to life.

The casting process for Horizon began in February 2022, with a series of high-profile actors joining the project. By August of that year, an impressive array of actors had been assembled, including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jamie Campbell Bower, Luke Wilson, Thomas Haden Church, Jena Malone, Alejandro Edda, Tatanka Means, and Michael Rooker. Throughout September 2022, the cast continued to expand with the addition of Isabelle Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, Jeff Fahey, and Tom Payne. By October 2022, further casting announcements included Will Patton, Owen Crow Shoe, and Danny Huston, rounding out a diverse and talented ensemble.

Filming for the first installment of Horizon began on August 29, 2022, in the scenic landscapes of southern Utah. The production wrapped up by November 2022. The second installment commenced filming in May 2023 and concluded in the summer of the same year. Despite Kevin Costner's initial hopes to release the first film by fall 2023, it was ultimately decided to release the film in two parts in 2024 to ensure the highest quality and alignment with the cinematic vision. The dedication to the project is evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the production phases.

The first chapter of Horizon: An American Saga premiered out of competition at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2024. Following its premiere, the film is set for theatrical release in the United States on June 28, 2024. The second chapter will follow with a release on August 16, 2024. French audiences can anticipate the film's release on July 3, 2024, for Chapter 1, and September 11, 2024, for Chapter 2. These release dates mark significant moments for the film's distribution and its introduction to global audiences.

Horizon: An American Saga is set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and the subsequent period of westward expansion. The narrative spans fifteen years before and after the Civil War, depicting the myriad challenges and conflicts of this tumultuous era. The film explores the harsh natural elements, the complex interactions with Indigenous peoples, and the relentless determination of settlers and colonizers. This epic tale is not just a story of survival but also a profound exploration of the human spirit and the historical forces that shaped the American West.

The film's production boasts a talented crew, ensuring high production values and a compelling visual experience. Key members of the crew include cinematographer J. Michael Muro, editor Miklos Wright, music composer John Debney, production designer Derek R. Hill, and costume designer Lisa Lovaas. Their combined efforts have created a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that captures the essence of the era it portrays.

Horizon: An American Saga is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in North America, K5 International for global markets, and Metropolitan FilmExport in France. The film's international sales were actively promoted at the American Film Market, highlighting its global appeal and the widespread anticipation for its release. The strategic distribution efforts ensure that audiences worldwide will have the opportunity to experience this epic narrative.

Kevin Costner's commitment to the Horizon saga extends beyond these initial two chapters. He has revealed plans to create a total of four films, each building upon the epic narrative and historical context established in the first installments. However, the production of the third film has been temporarily paused due to the Hollywood labor disputes in 2023. Despite these challenges, Kevin Costner's vision for a comprehensive and richly detailed portrayal of the American West remains steadfast.

The world premiere of Horizon: An American Saga at Cannes has set the stage for an epic cinematic journey that promises to captivate audiences worldwide. With a stellar cast, meticulous production, and Kevin Costner's visionary direction, the film is poised to make a significant impact on the film industry and offer a profound exploration of a pivotal period in American history. As the release dates approach, the anticipation for this monumental portrayal of the American West continues to build, heralding the arrival of a truly epic saga.

Synopsis :
Set 15 years before and after the American Civil War. Westward expansion is fraught with pitfalls - from the natural elements, to interactions with the indigenous peoples who lived on the land, to the ruthless determination of those who sought to colonize it...

Horizon: An American Saga
Directed by Kevin Costner
Produced by Kevin Costner, Howard Kaplan, Mark Gillard
Written by Jon Baird, Kevin Costner
Story by Jon Baird, Kevin Costner, Mark Kasdan
Starring Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jeff Fahey, Will Patton, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Ella Hunt, Jamie Campbell Bower, Thomas Haden Church
Cinematography : J. Michael Muro
Edited by Miklos Wright
Music by John Debney
Production companies : New Line Cinema, Territory Pictures
Distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures (North America), K5 International (International), Metropolitan FilmExport (France)
Release dates : 19, 2024 (Cannes), June 28, 2024 (Chapter 1) (United States), July 3, 2024 (France), August 16, 2024 (Chapter 2) (United States), September 11, 2024 (France)
Running time : 181 minutes (Chapter 1)