Movies - John Debney Returns to Italy for Venice Film Festival Premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2

By Mulder, 29 august 2024

The renowned composer John Debney is set to make a triumphant return to Italy for the highly anticipated premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. The film, directed and produced by Academy Award-winning actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner, will debut on September 7, 2024, at the Sala Giardino Theater. This marks a significant moment in John Debney's illustrious career, as he once again collaborates with Kevin Costner to bring a sweeping epic to life through his powerful and evocative score.

John Debney's association with Kevin Costner is one of deep artistic synergy, having previously worked together on the Emmy-nominated Hatfields and McCoys and now on the Horizon series. John Debney’s compositions have always played a pivotal role in enhancing the emotional depth of Kevin Costner’s films, and Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 is no exception. The film, which continues the epic narrative of the American West, features a score that is expected to resonate with the grandeur and intensity that fans have come to expect from both John Debney and Kevin Costner.

This return to Italy is particularly meaningful for John Debney, who previously premiered his acclaimed The Passion Symphony in Rome, a concert inspired by his Oscar-nominated score for The Passion of The Christ (2004). That event, held at the outdoor theater of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in 2005, stands as one of the most memorable moments in John Debney’s career. Now, nearly two decades later, John Debney is honored to bring his music back to an Italian audience, this time with a score that underscores the sweeping narrative of the American West.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 is the second installment in Kevin Costner’s ambitious film series, which chronicles the expansion and settlement of the American West through the eyes of its diverse characters. The film, presented by New Line Cinema and Territory Pictures, continues the story from the first chapter, which will also screen at the festival in an unprecedented programming move.

The film’s all-star cast includes Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jena Malone, Ella Hunt, and more, each delivering performances that delve into the historical and emotional complexity of the era. The screenplay, co-written by Kevin Costner, Jon Baird, and Mark Kasdan, ensures a rich, character-driven narrative that is complemented by John Debney’s masterful score.

John Debney’s career is a testament to his versatility as a composer, having scored everything from holiday classics like Elf and Hocus Pocus to blockbuster hits like Iron Man 2 and The Jungle Book. His ability to seamlessly transition between genres—whether it be action, horror, romance, or family films—has made him one of the most sought-after composers in Hollywood.

In addition to his work with Kevin Costner, John Debney has collaborated with a host of acclaimed directors, including Jon Favreau, Mel Gibson, and Robert Rodriguez, to name a few. His work has earned him multiple accolades, including an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy Awards, and a BAFTA nomination.

As the world eagerly anticipates the release of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, John Debney’s score is sure to be one of the film’s standout elements, bringing to life the epic scale and emotional depth of the American West. For fans of both John Debney and Kevin Costner, this collaboration represents the continuation of a creative partnership that has consistently delivered cinematic excellence.

John Debney is available for select interviews during the Venice Film Festival, offering a unique opportunity to hear directly from the composer about his latest work and the inspirations behind it. As Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 makes its debut, the world will once again be reminded of John Debney’s remarkable ability to transform film into an unforgettable auditory experience.

Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2
Directed by Kevin Costner
Written by Jon Baird, Kevin Costner
Story by Jon Baird, Kevin Costner, Mark Kasdan
Produced by Kevin Costner, Howard Kaplan, Mark Gillard
Starring  Kevin Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Ella Hunt, Will Patton, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Thomas Haden Church, Glynn Turman, Kathleen Quinlan
Cinematography : J. Michael Muro
Edited by Miklos Wright
Music by John Debney
Production company : Territory Pictures
Distributed by New Line Cinema (through Warner Bros. Pictures; select territories), K5 International (International)
Release date : September 7, 2024 (Venice)
Running time : 164 minutes

(Source : press release)