Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated directorial effort, “Horizon: An American Saga,” arrives in Philippine cinemas on June 28. This sweeping three-hour saga promises a captivating exploration of the American West during the tumultuous post-Civil War era.
A Cinematic Comeback for Kevin Costner
With a list of notable global hits such as “The Bodyguard,” “Field of Dreams,” “The Untouchables,” and unforgettable roles in “Man of Steel” and Zack Snyder’s “Justice League,” Kevin Costner’s massive love for movies has culminated in “Horizon.” Costner risked it all to follow his dream, even using his own money and mortgaging his properties.
Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema
Kevin Costner’s highly anticipated directorial comeback after the success of his western series “Yellowstone” (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a TV series), the 3-hour film “Horizon: An American Saga” brings together an impressive ensemble cast including Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Abbey Lee, Will Patton, Jena Malone, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Jeff Fahey, Isabell Fuhrman, Ella Hunt, David O’Hara, Owen Crowe Shoe, Tatanka Means, Tim Guinee, Scott Haze, Tom Payne, Alejandro Edda, James Russo, Jon Beavers, Jaime Campbell Bower, and Michael Angarano.
Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema
The Story of “Horizon: An American Saga”
“Horizon: An American Saga” spans the post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American West, experienced through the eyes of many. The epic journey is fraught with peril and intrigue, from the constant onslaught of natural elements to interactions with Native American people who lived on the land and the determination and, at many times, ruthlessness of those who sought to settle it.
The movie explores the lure of the Old West and how it was won—and lost—through the blood, sweat, and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, Costner plays Hayes Ellison, a man with a mysterious past and a particular set of skills he tries to bury but is forced to use when a community of people he encounters needs help. Costner’s ambitious cinematic adventure will take audiences on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends, and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.
Behind the Scenes: Fun Facts About Horizon
But first, here’s a treasure trove of knowledge, your definitive guide on the amazing behind-the-scenes facts of “Horizon: An American Saga.”
- Location Filming: Primarily filmed in rural areas of Utah, including the Shivwits Reservation west of St. George near the Santa Clara River, Moab, Apple Valley, and the surroundings of Zion National Park. The state provided incredible geological vistas—from plains to mesas to iconic red rocks to mountains and rivers—that evoke the time and places covered in the story.
- Local Involvement: Production utilized Utah locals in numerous capacities, from location managers to background extras to craft services, wagons (and horses), builders, and more.
- Historical Filming Ground: Utah has a long, rich history of filming within the state, with thousands of productions captured there since the 1920s, including Western heavy hitters like John Ford and John Wayne.
- Authentic Animals: For authenticity, animal wrangler Scott Perez sourced horned cattle from Mexico, a less hefty-looking breed than today’s more common Angus cattle, and more period-appropriate. He also sourced oxen from North Carolina, horses from Utah, North Carolina, Texas, New Mexico, and even Los Angeles, California, as well as mules from Salt Lake City and Price in Utah.
- Costner’s Choice: Seasoned rider Kevin Costner selected the horse for his character, Hayes Ellison, from Perez’s personal stables—a horse named Clark.
- Large-Scale Wrangling: At one point during filming, Perez’s team wrangled a whopping 90 horses (out of a total 110), 30 steers, 10 bucking horses, and eight mules at once.
- Historical Immersion: Sienna Miller, who plays Frances Kittredge, is a history nerd. “To be able to dive in and really experience this era and this moment in history, to be able to work on something that is so impartial and just states the facts, was astounding,” says Miller.
- Character Research: Abbey Lee, who plays Marigold, a sex worker of that time, read a book from the early 1900s by a woman called Nell Kimball as a reference for her character.
Photo credit: Parallax Studios / Saga Film Studios / Axinite Digicinema
Get Ready for an Epic Cinematic Experience
Rated R-13 by the local censor’s board, “Horizon: An American Saga” opens June 28 in local cinemas nationwide, distributed by Parallax Studios, Saga Films, with Axinite Digicinema. Get ready to be transported to a time of great turmoil and discovery, where the Old West’s allure was built on the dreams and sacrifices of many. Join the journey online using the hashtags #HorizonAmericanSaga #KevinCostner
