In the entertainment industry, where blockbusters are funded by rich billionaires with deep pockets, Kevin Costner is standing out from the crowd by putting his own money into his passion project. The veteran actor and filmmaker, 69, recently revealed that he has invested a staggering $38 million of his own money into his new Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga.
We must accept that the Yellowstone star’s commitment to his forthcoming project is nothing short of remarkable. Despite facing challenges in securing funding from traditional sources, he was determined to see his vision come to life.
But what truly sets Costner apart is his willingness to call out the wealthy elite of Hollywood for not stepping up to support his project. In a recent GQ interview, the actor challenged Tinsetown’s “brave, rich” billionaires who didn’t help, prompting Coster to risk “$38 million” of his own money to bring the Western epic Horizon: An American Saga to life.
Kevin Costner’s Bold Stand Against Hollywood ‘Billionaires’
Kevin Costner, who recently disclosed to GQ that he personally contributed $38 million to the film, provided a portion of the $100 million budget for Horizon: An American Saga. Thus, a lot is riding on the Western to be successful and resonate with viewers:
I know they say I’ve got $20 million of my own money in this movie. It’s not true. I’ve got now about $38 million in the film. That’s the truth. That’s the real number.
In a bold statement, the Yellowstone actor further expressed his frustration with the lack of investment from billionaires who could’ve easily made a difference in bringing his epic saga to the big screen:
I got my suitcase on the end of the street, you know, and seeing: Where are all you brave, rich billionaires? If I hear the word billionaire one more time, I think I’m going to puke.
Giving specifics about what he wanted from a potential investor, Costner said:
I need somebody that’s impulsive, is emotional, has money, and wants to go west. And it’s like: Now let’s see how much of a gambler you are.
Not only does Costner have a large amount of his own money invested in the film, but it also carries a risk because Western films are now becoming increasingly uncommon in Hollywood.
Costner plays the lead role in Horizon: An American Saga, which also stars Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, and Sienna Miller. The latter recently showered compliments on the Dances with Wolves actor, declaring that she would “go to the ends of the earth” for him.
Horizon: An American Saga’s 10-Minute Standing Ovation Signals a Blockbuster Hit?
When the three-hour Horizon: An American Saga was shown to audiences at the Cannes Film Festival (on May 19, 2024), Kevin Costner was evidently emotional. He has devoted years of his life to achieving his dream of making this Western epic.
A standing ovation that lasted 10 minutes greeted Horizon: An American Saga’s Cannes premiere, as we learned from THR. As the excitement subsided, Costner addressed the audience on stage and warmly discussed the movie:
I’m sorry you had to clap so long for me to speak. It’s not mine anymore. It’s yours. I knew that the minute this was over. And that’s the way it should be….And I hope you do share this movie with your sweethearts, with your children.
Stars from the film, including Georgia MacPhail, Abbey Lee, Wasé Chief, Ella Hunt, Jena Malone, Isabelle Fuhrman, and Sienna Miller, joined him at Cannes. Notable attendees who supported Costner’s film included Julianne Moore, Michelle Yeoh, Isabelle Huppert, and Oliver Stone.
Costner told the audience at the end of his speech that
It’s just another miracle in my life. I hope this time was worth it for you.
Anyway, while there are plenty of wealthy investors in the industry, few are willing to take a chance on a passion project like Horizon: An American Saga. As audiences prepare to experience this epic Western flick this summer, it is clear that Costner’s hard work and determination have paid off.
Horizon: An American Saga’s first installment is scheduled to be released on June 28, 2024, and the second will arrive on August 16, 2024.
