AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner's period Western "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" failed to ignite at the box office, prompting its distributor New Line Cinema and Costner's production company Territory Pictures to withdraw the sequel "Chapter 2" from its August 16 release. The intention remains to release "Chapter 2" theatrically, but a new date has not been set.

This decision was made in consultation with exhibition partners to give the first film more time to gain visibility. "Horizon: Chapter 1" will debut on Premium VOD on July 16, in addition to its ongoing theatrical run, which has garnered notable business.

"Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema have decided not to release 'Horizon: Chapter 2' on August 16 in order to give audiences a greater opportunity to discover the first installment of 'Horizon' over the coming weeks, including on PVOD and Max," said a New Line spokesperson.

Territory Pictures acknowledged the positive audience response to "Horizon" and the enthusiasm for the continuation of the story in "Chapter 2". Costner, who invested heavily in the film's production, has expressed a commitment to making four films in total.

The postponement aims to enhance the experience of "Horizon: Chapter 2" by expanding its potential audience. A debut date for Max has not been announced.

Despite Costner's confidence, "Horizon: Chapter 1" opened tepidly, grossing only $11 million over its opening weekend, far below its $100 million budget. The film has since accumulated a total domestic gross of $22 million, with limited overseas earnings.

Sources close to the production indicate that "Horizon: Chapter 2" will need to attract a significant audience on streaming to ensure the survival of the franchise. Costner has reportedly invested approximately $38 million of his own funds into the project.

Costner, known for his signature films like "Dances with Wolves", had high hopes for "Horizon", believing it would resonate deeply with audiences in the Midwest and South Central regions. However, the film has performed better among older moviegoers, a demographic typically slower to rush out to see new releases.

The marketing campaign for "Horizon" emphasized Costner's involvement, including a nationwide tour and screenings at the Cannes Film Festival. Despite these efforts, the film's lukewarm reviews and low audience scores on CinemaScore hindered its potential.

While the postponement of "Horizon: Chapter 2" is a setback for Costner, he remains committed to completing the franchise. Production on "Chapter 3" is expected to resume in mid-August.