Kevin Costner’s Next Frontier: How Horizon: An American Saga Revives the True Spirit of the West
When Yellowstone first galloped onto screens in 2018, it didn’t just revive the Western genre—it redefined it for a modern audience. At its heart stood Kevin Costner, a man whose name has been synonymous with the American frontier since Dances with Wolves (1990) earned him two Oscars. Now, as the dust settles on the Yellowstone universe, Costner isn’t hanging up his spurs. Instead, he’s doubling down with Horizon: An American Saga, a sprawling, multi-film epic inspired by the true, untold stories of the West’s conquest. This isn’t just another Western—it’s a passion project decades in the making, blending historical grit with Costner’s signature storytelling.
But why does this matter now? In an era where streaming dominates and franchises often prioritize spectacle over substance, Horizon promises something rare: a cinematic love letter to the real West, warts and all. For fans of Yellowstone, history buffs, and anyone who’s ever been captivated by the myth and reality of America’s expansion, this series could be a game-changer. Here’s what we know so far—and why Costner’s latest venture might just redefine the Western again.
What Is Horizon: An American Saga?
Horizon: An American Saga is a four-film series written, directed, and starring Kevin Costner, set across the 15 years before, during, and after the Civil War (1859–1874). Unlike the fictional Dutton dynasty of Yellowstone, Horizon draws directly from real historical events and figures, weaving together the stories of Native Americans, settlers, soldiers, and outlaws who shaped the West. Think Dances with Wolves meets Lonesome Dove, but with the scale and ambition of a Godfather-style saga.
The True Stories Behind the Fiction
Costner has described Horizon as a “15-year conversation with history,” pulling from:
- Native American perspectives, including the displacement and resistance of tribes like the Sioux and Cheyee.
- The construction of the transcontinental railroad, a feat that coected the nation but came at a brutal human cost.
- The rise and fall of outlaws and lawmen, from Jesse James to Wild Bill Hickok.
- The homesteaders’ struggles, including drought, disease, and conflicts over land.
Unlike Yellowstone, which leans into modern-day power struggles, Horizon aims to demythologize the West—showing the beauty and brutality of its conquest without romanticizing it.
Why Costner Is the Perfect Storyteller for This
Costner’s career has been defined by his ability to straddle myth and reality in Westerns:
- Dances with Wolves (1990) – A sympathetic portrayal of Native American life, told from an outsider’s perspective.
- Wyatt Earp (1994) – A nuanced take on the legendary lawman, emphasizing his flaws and humanity.
- Open Range (2003) – A gritty, character-driven Western about free-grazing cattlemen.
- Yellowstone (2018–2023) – A modern saga about land, power, and legacy.
With Horizon, he’s combining the historical depth of his early work with the epic scale of his recent projects. As he told Deadline, “This is the story I’ve always wanted to tell—the one that shows how the West was really won and lost.”
Why Horizon Matters in 2024: The Western’s Renaissance
The Western genre has had more comebacks than a prizefighter, but in the last decade, it’s experienced a cultural resurgence. Here’s why Horizon arrives at the perfect moment:
The Yellowstone Effect: A Hungry Audience
Yellowstone proved there’s a massive appetite for Westerns—if they’re done right. The show’s success spawned:
- Three spin-offs (1883, 1923, and the upcoming 1944).
- A surge in Western-themed merchandise, from boots to bourbon.
- A renewed interest in historical accuracy in period dramas.
Horizon capitalizes on this momentum but shifts the focus from fictional dynasties to real historical stakes.
The Streaming Wars Need Fresh IP
With studios scrambling for original content, Horizon offers something rare:
- A pre-sold franchise with a built-in fanbase (thanks to Costner’s reputation).
- A multi-film structure, which is catnip for streamers looking for bingeable epics (see: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power).
- A chance to compete with Yellowstone without directly copying it.
Early reports suggest the first two films will be released theatrically (via New Line Cinema) before potentially moving to a streaming platform—a strategy that could maximize both critical acclaim and commercial success.
A Corrective to the “White Hat” Western Myth
For decades, Westerns glorified manifest destiny, portraying settlers as heroes and Native Americans as obstacles. Recent years have seen a push for more honest storytelling:
- The Revenant (2015) – Showcased the brutality of the fur trade and Indigenous resistance.
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) – Exposed the systemic murder of Osage Nation members for oil rights.
- Prey (2022) – A Predator prequel that centered a Comanche warrior as the hero.
Horizon joins this trend but goes further by weaving multiple perspectives into a single narrative. Costner has consulted with Native American historians and advisors to ensure authenticity—a move that could set a new standard for the genre.
Horizon vs. Yellowstone: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, Horizon might seem like Yellowstone in period costume. But the two projects are fundamentally different in tone, scope, and ambition. Here’s how they stack up:
| Aspect | Yellowstone | Horizon: An American Saga |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Modern-day Montana (2010s–2020s) | Pre- and post-Civil War West (1859–1874) |
| Genre | Neo-Western/soap opera | Historical epic/Western |
| Tone | Gritty, violent, family drama | Sweeping, character-driven, multi-perspective |
| Scope | One family’s land war | The entire Western expansion, with intercoected stories |
| Historical Accuracy | Loosely inspired by real ranch conflicts | Based on real events and figures, with heavy research |
| Format | TV series (Paramount+) | Four theatrical films (potential streaming later) |
Will Horizon Replace Yellowstone?
Not likely—and that’s the point. While Yellowstone thrives on modern-day power struggles and shock value, Horizon is a meditation on history itself. Costner has said he sees the two projects as complementary:
“Yellowstone is about who owns the land today. Horizon is about how that land was taken—and what it cost.”
For fans, this means two flavors of Western to enjoy: one raw and contemporary, the other grand and historical.
Behind the Scenes: How Horizon Is Being Built
Creating a four-film epic set across 15 years of history is no small feat. Here’s how Costner and his team are bringing Horizon to life:
The Research: A Decade in the Making
Costner has been collecting books, letters, and artifacts related to the West since the 1990s. For Horizon, he and his team:
- Consulted with Native American scholars, including members of the Sioux and Cheyee tribes.
- Studied firsthand accounts from settlers, soldiers, and outlaws in archives like the Library of Congress.
- Visited historical sites, from Little Bighorn to railroad construction paths.
- Worked with linguists to accurately depict Native languages and dialects.
The goal? To avoid the “Hollywood Indian” trope and present a nuanced, respectful portrayal of all communities involved.
The Cast: A Mix of Legends and Newcomers
While the full cast hasn’t been aounced, early reports suggest a blend of:
- Established stars – Think actors with Western cred, like Sam Elliott or Jeff Bridges (though no confirmations yet).
- Rising talent – Younger actors to portray characters across the 15-year timeline.
- Native American actors – In lead roles, not just supporting parts. Costner has emphasized that these aren’t “token” characters but central to the story.
Costner himself will play a complex, morally ambiguous figure—likely a soldier or lawman caught between duty and conscience.
The Filming: Epic Locations and Practical Effects
To avoid the “green screen West” look of some modern Westerns, Horizon is shooting on location in:
- Montana and South Dakota – For the vast plains and Native territories.
- Utah – Standing in for the rocky landscapes of the frontier.
- New Mexico – For desert scenes and railroad construction sites.
The production is also using practical effects wherever possible—real horse stunts, period-accurate weapons, and hand-built sets—to immerse viewers in the era.
The Music: A Return to Classic Western Scores
Costner is collaborating with composer John Barry’s protégé (Barry scored Dances with Wolves) to create a sweeping, orchestral soundtrack that evokes the grandeur of classic Westerns. Expect:
- Native American flute and drum motifs.
- Fiddle and banjo for settler scenes.
- A main theme that rival’s Eio Morricone’s work in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
What to Expect: Themes, Storylines, and Controversies
Horizon isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a moral reckoning with the West’s legacy. Here are the key themes likely to emerge:
1. The Cost of Manifest Destiny
The idea that America was “destined” to expand westward drove settlement—but at what price? Horizon will explore:
- The displacement of Native tribes, including broken treaties and massacres.
- The exploitation of Chinese and Irish laborers who built the railroad.
- The environmental destruction caused by rapid expansion (buffalo slaughter, deforestation).
2. The Myth vs. Reality of the “Wild West”
Pop culture has romanticized outlaws like Jesse James and lawmen like Wyatt Earp. Horizon will likely:
- Show James as a confederate guerrilla turned criminal, not a Robin Hood figure.
- Portray Earp’s ruthless side, including his role in the Earp-Clanton feud.
- Highlight lesser-known figures, like Bass Reeves (the first Black U.S. Marshal) or Stagecoach Mary (a former slave turned entrepreneur).
3. The Role of Women and Minorities
Western films have often sidelined women and people of color. Horizon aims to correct that by featuring:
- Native women warriors, like Buffalo Calf Road Woman (who knocked Custer off his horse at Little Bighorn).
- Black homesteaders and Exodusters (African Americans who migrated West after Reconstruction).
- Mexican-American vaqueros, the original cowboys who shaped ranch culture.
- Female outlaws and entrepreneurs, like Calamity Jane and Madame Mustache (a gambler and brothel owner).
Potential Controversies
Given its unflinching approach, Horizon might ruffle feathers:
- Criticism from conservative groups for portraying settlers in a negative light.
- Debates over historical accuracy—no film can cover every perspective, and some may feel their ancestors’ stories are misrepresented.
- Comparisons to Killers of the Flower Moon, which faced backlash for its depiction of white saviorism.
Costner has acknowledged these risks but stands by the project’s mission: “If we’re not making some people uncomfortable, we’re not telling the truth.”
How to Watch Horizon: An American Saga (And What’s Next)
Release Dates and Where to Watch
As of 2024, here’s what we know:
- First film: Scheduled for June 28, 2024 (theatrical release via New Line Cinema).
- Second film: Expected August 16, 2024, with a possible limited theatrical run before streaming.
- Films 3 & 4: Likely 2025–2026, depending on the first two films’ reception.
- Streaming: Rumored to eventually land on Max (HBO) or Paramount+, but no deals are confirmed.
Pro tip: If you’re a Yellowstone fan, keep an eye on Paramount+—they may bundle Horizon with the Yellowstone universe for promotions.
How to Prepare for Horizon
Want to dive deeper into the real history behind the series? Here’s a reading/watchlist to get you ready:
- Books:
- Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown (Native American perspective).
- The Earth Shall Weep by James Wilson (comprehensive history of the West).
- Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwye (rise and fall of the Comanches).
- Documentaries:
- The West (PBS, 1996) – Ken Burns’ seminal series.
- 500 Nations (CBS, 1995) – Focuses oative American history.
- Films:
- Dances with Wolves (1990) – Costner’s first deep dive into Native-settler relations.
- The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007) – A poetic take on the outlaw myth.
- Hostiles (2017) – A brutal, beautiful Western about redemption.
What’s Next for Kevin Costner?
Even with Horizon looming, Costner isn’t slowing down. Rumors swirl about:
- A potential return to Yellowstone in a limited capacity (perhaps as a ghost or flashback character).
- A biopic on Mickey Mantle, the baseball legend, which Costner has been developing for years.
- More environmental activism—he’s a vocal advocate for clean energy and wildlife conservation.
But for now, Horizon is his magnum opus—the project he’s been building toward his entire career.
Why Horizon Could Define Costner’s Legacy
Kevin Costner has always been a student of the West. From his early roles in films like Silverado (1985) to his directorial debut with Dances with Wolves, he’s sought to honor the genre while challenging its myths. With Horizon, he’s not just making another Western—he’s rewriting the rules of how the genre can engage with history.
How Horizon Stands Apart
Most Westerns fall into one of two camps:
- Mythic – Think John Wayne films or The Lone Ranger, where good and evil are clear-cut.
- Revisionist – Like Unforgiven (1992) or The Revenant, which deconstruct the genre’s tropes.
Horizon does something different: it reconstructs. Instead of merely tearing down the myths, it builds a new narrative—one that acknowledges the West’s complexity without losing its sense of adventure.
The Risk and Reward
This is a high-stakes gamble for Costner:
- Risk:
- Four films is a massive commitment—if the first one flops, the rest may never get made.
- Historical epics are expensive; Horizon’s budget is rumored to be $100M+ per film.
- Some fans may resist a Western that doesn’t glorify settlers.
- Reward:
- If successful, it could be the definitive Western of the 21st century.
- It may inspire a new wave of historically grounded films.
- Costner could finally win that elusive Best Director Oscar (he’s beeominated twice but never won).
The Bigger Picture: Why the West Still Matters
The story of the American West isn’t just about the past—it’s about who we are today. Themes like:
- Land rights (echoed in modern debates over public lands and pipelines).
- Immigration and displacement (parallels to current border and refugee crises).
- Environmental exploitation (mirrored in climate change discussions).
make Horizon timely as well as timeless. As Costner put it:
“The West isn’t just a place. It’s an idea—one we’re still grappling with. This story isn’t just about then. It’s about now.”
Conclusion: Is Horizon the Western We’ve Been Waiting For?
The Western genre has been declared dead more times than a saloon brawler in a Clint Eastwood flick. Yet it keeps rising—because the stories of the West are America’s stories. With Horizon: An American Saga, Kevin Costner isn’t just making another Western. He’s attempting to:
- Correct the record on how the West was won (and lost).
- Elevate voices that have been marginalized in the genre.
- Prove that historical epics can still thrive in the age of superheroes and CGI spectacle.
Will it succeed? That depends on whether audiences are ready for a Western that challenges as much as it entertains. But if anyone can pull it off, it’s Costner—a man who’s spent his career riding the line between myth and reality.
One thing is certain: The West isn’t dead. It’s just getting more interesting.
Ready to Ride? Here’s How to Join the Journey
If Horizon: An American Saga has piqued your curiosity, here’s how to dive in:
- Mark your calendar: The first film hits theaters June 28, 2024. Grab tickets early—this could be the event movie of the summer.
- Brush up on history: Check out the books and documentaries listed above to appreciate the real stories behind the film.
- Rewatch Costner’s Westerns: From Dances with Wolves to Open Range, see how his style has evolved.
- Follow the conversation: Use hash