Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga Shocks Fans With Rating

By Charlene Badasie | Updated

kevin costner

Kevin Costner’s epic Western film Horizon: An American Saga has received an R rating for “violence, some nudity, and sexuality,” ComicBook reports. Co-written and directed by Costner, it also stars Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, and Thomas Haden Church. The movie, set to have three sequels, does not yet have a release date.

“America’s expansion into the west was one that was fraught with peril and intrigue from the natural elements to the interactions with the indigenous peoples who lived on the land and the determination and at many times ruthlessness of those who sought to settle on it.”

Kevin Costner

The story unfolds over 15 years, during and after the expansion and settlement of the American West during the Civil War. Kevin Costner, who also serves as producer on the film, previously referred to Horizon as his passion project. He elaborated on its themes when the movie was first announced in January 2022.

“America’s expansion into the west was one that was fraught with peril and intrigue from the natural elements to the interactions with the indigenous peoples who lived on the land and the determination and at many times ruthlessness of those who sought to settle on it,” Kevin Costner said. He explained that Horizon sheds light on the varying perspectives and consequences of the characters’ decisions.

Kevin Costner initially created Horizon as a standalone film in 1988. After the release of his 2003 film Open Range, he decided to approach Walt Disney Pictures with the project. But it wasn’t until 2022 that real progress had been made. Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema later came on board to help with distribution. Filming for the first installment began on August 29, 2022, in the southern regions of Utah.

Kevin Costner’s upcoming movie Horizon: An American Saga will be rated R.

Horizon: An American boasts an extensive cast. Starring alongside Kevin Costner are Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, and Thomas Haden Church are Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Giovanni Ribisi, Will Patton, Kathleen Quinlan, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jamie Campbell Bower, Alejandro Edda, Tanka Means, Michael Rooker, and Ella Hunt.

Other actors appearing in the Kevin Costner movie are Jeff Fahey, Tom Payne, Wase Chief, Tim Guinee, Michael Angarano, Colin Cunningham, Scott Haze, Angus Macfadyen, and Douglas Smith. Jon Beavers, Owen Crow Shoe, Danny Huston, Larry Bagby, Dale Dickey, Hayes Costner, James Landry Hébert, Dalton Baker, Georgia MacPhail, Naomi Winders, and Austin Archer also star.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Kevin Costner was leaving Yellowstone after its fifth season, which subsequently marks the series’ final outing. Co-creator of the series, Taylor Sheridan, commented on Costner’s departure, expressing his hope that Horizon proves to be a success. “My view of Kevin as an actor remains unchanged. His portrayal of John Dutton is emblematic and commanding.”

kevin costner yellowstone
Kevin Costner in Yellowstone

“I’ve always been able to resolve any issues with Kevin [Costner] over the phone. However, once lawyers become involved, communication breaks down, false statements and attempts to shift blame based on public perception occur,” Sheridan added. “Kevin bore a significant burden, and I don’t believe anyone deserves that. His movie appears to be a high priority for him, and he wishes to redirect his focus. I genuinely hope that the movie lives up to expectations and proves to be outstanding.”

Kevin Costner, who also serves as producer on the film, previously referred to Horizon as his passion project.

Despite Kevin Costner’s departure, Yellowstone continues to maintain its status as one of the most beloved series in the United States. The show delves into the challenges faced by the Dutton Family, who own Montana’s largest ranch. Since its debut in 2018, the series has received widespread acclaim for its gripping intrigue and the outstanding performances delivered by its cast.

Expanding on its remarkable success, the franchise has introduced two spin-offs, 1883 and 1923, which explore the origins of the Dutton family’s ascent to power. The second part of Yellowstone’s fifth season has no release date as of yet.

In the absence of Kevin Costner, Paramount is redirecting its focus toward a new Yellowstone series set to debut in December. While an official title has not been disclosed, there are hints that it will somehow incorporate the original show’s name. The plot and cast details are being kept under wraps, although previous reports have hinted at the potential involvement of Matthew McConaughey.