What did Kevin Costner say about Horizon: An American Saga's filming? Details explored

Last year, Kevin Costner returned to the big screen with the first chapter of Horizon, an epic saga he has been trying to make for over thirty years. He was fascinated by the core idea behind the film and couldn’t let go of the thought of it. The star, known for his performances in JFK, Dances with Wolves, and Field of Dreams, held on to his passion since 1988. It led to the shooting of the first two chapters of the four-film saga.

The cast for Chapter 1 includes Kevin Costner along with Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Jenna Malone, Will Patton, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Giovanni Ribisi in key roles. It had its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Later, it was theatrically released in the United States in 2024. The second chapter premiered at the 81st Venice International Film Festival 2024, but its release date has not been specified yet.

Despite all the hurdles in his journey, Costner stayed faithful to his vision. He wrote the first chapter’s screenplay with Jon Baird and directed the film himself. It introduces the characters and central storylines from the time of the Civil War. This chapter offers a peek into the conflict between residents in the American West.

Kevin Costner spoke with Indiewire in September 2024 about his experience working on this project. Let’s find out what he had to say.

Kevin Costner on the filming of Horizon: An American Saga: Details explored

Throughout his long career, Kevin Costner cemented his place in Hollywood through his memorable performances. Eventually, he decided to take on the herculean task of writing and directing an epic Western saga. On top of that, he reportedly financed this project by himself.

In the September 2024 interview, he reflected upon his decision behind this challenging project and what kept him going through this journey. Here’s what he said:

“The making of ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ has been the most challenging journey I’ve ever undertaken. In my heart, I’m a storyteller, and there has arguably been no greater narrative than the arduous journey of men and women from across America in pursuit of a dream. Their dream was passionately fought for, and achieved only by some, and even then, only through the blood, sweat, and tears of many. Tracking those dreams toward the West resulted in the nightmares of the people who had lived and thrived there for centuries. This was a story I needed to tell."

Kevin Costner also spoke about the film’s subject matter surrounding the Civil War and why it mattered to him. He said:

“I wanted to reach beyond the myth and tell the story of the everyday people forging a new chapter in the story of America amidst the savagery of conflict, across vast distances, in a country at war with itself. All were captivated by the uncertain promise of a better future: traders and trackers, surveyors and settlers, missionaries and soldiers, lawmen and outlaws — people just making their way. I wanted to tell their story through the lens of families, friends, and foes, all attempting to change their destinies. From European settlers to White Mountain Apache, from Chinese merchants to Pima cavalry scouts, they each wrote their own story, heading into chapters unknown and unknowable."

Kevin Costner reflects upon his interest in Western genre

During this interview, Kevin Costner spoke about his fondness for the Western genre and why he finds it particularly satisfying. He revealed:

“I hope people like that part of movies. I don’t know if they do anymore, but that’s not my problem. I do like it, so when I make them, it’s still going to be there. I love my gunfights, but I’m not in a rush to get to them. I’m in love with the language, and I think it informs [the action]. I’m willing to take my time saying the lines I want against these big spaces.”

Written & directed by Kevin Costner, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 is available to stream on HBO's Max.