Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone Method Could’ve Saved Kevin Costner’s Biggest Career Gamble
Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga, could have taken a different path—one that might have ensured its success—if it had followed the winning formula of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone.
Once hailed as the beloved patriarch John Dutton, Costner seemed untouchable in the world of Western storytelling. However, his departure from Yellowstone and the rocky reception of Horizon have marked a sharp decline in his recent career trajectory. The first installment of his four-part film saga failed to captivate audiences, leaving many to wonder if he miscalculated the best way to bring his passion project to life.
Could Horizon Have Thrived as a TV Series Like Yellowstone?
Despite investing $50 million of his own money into Horizon: Part 1, the film only managed to gross $38.7 million (via The Numbers), leaving Costner in a financial and creative bind. Even before its release, he had already committed to a second and third part, with the full story expected to span a staggering 12 hours. While the epic scope is impressive, many fans and critics agree that such an expansive story would have been better suited for television rather than the big screen.
One of the biggest criticisms of Horizon was its inability to function as a self-contained film. The first installment felt like a prolonged setup rather than an engaging standalone experience. With a three-hour runtime, the movie struggled to establish its sprawling cast of characters effectively. In contrast, Yellowstone thrived by giving its characters the necessary breathing room to develop over multiple seasons. Taylor Sheridan’s approach allowed viewers to connect with key figures like John Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and Beth Dutton, without the constraints of a feature film’s pacing.
Costner’s decision to split Horizon into multiple theatrical releases rather than a serialized TV format put immense pressure on the first film to deliver immediate success. Unfortunately, it fell short, leaving audiences disengaged and uncertain about investing in the remaining installments. Had Horizon been adapted into a limited series, similar to 1883 or 1923, it could have provided a more immersive experience, allowing the story to unfold at a more natural and compelling pace.
Costner Clings to Streaming Success
Despite the film’s underwhelming box office performance, Costner has turned to streaming as a new metric of success. Horizon: Part 1 debuted on Netflix and reportedly amassed over 40 million views, making it the most-watched film on the platform in January 2025. Costner sees this as a sign that audiences are still interested in his vision, stating in an interview with Decider:
“The movie came out six months ago, and people are still finding it with little push from anywhere. It’s standing among the biggest movies of the year and was streamed more than them. It tells me that people want to go places in their heart and their mind.”
Will Horizon Find Redemption?
Despite its initial missteps, Costner remains committed to completing the Horizon saga. With his new production company, Territory Film Studios, financing the next two parts, he refuses to abandon his vision. However, some industry insiders suggest that pivoting the remaining chapters to a television format could be a more viable path forward.
While Costner faces an uphill battle, fans who remember his triumph with Dances with Wolves know that he has the potential to turn things around. Whether Horizon ultimately becomes a comeback story or a cautionary tale remains to be seen.
