Warner Bros. may have to change its plans for the August sequel to Kevin Costner’s “Horizon.”
This weekend, the Civil War adventure made just $11 million in four days of wide release. Critically panned, “Horizon” is a financial disaster for Costner personally and for Warner’s.
A second installment would not be prudent, at least not in theaters. So the obvious move is to go day and date into theaters and on MAX with Part 2. By that time, part 1 may be streaming, and the whole six hour endeavor would return to its original premise: a mini series.
***SATURDAY UPDATE BELOW***
Kevin Costner’s three hour Civil War epic, “Horizon,” made just $800,000 last night in previews.
The labor of love for Costner was panned by critics and has a 70% audience rating.
Total box office take for the weekend will be around $5 million – far lower than even the low estimate of $10 million. Last night’s shows were in 3,000 plus theaters, so it’s not a question of a small release.
“Horizon” cost $55 million at least. It’s the first of four installments. The second one, already filmed, is scheduled for August. Warner Bros. may have to re-evaluate its plan and put it on Max very quickly after theatrical release — if there is a theatrical release.
Last night was a disaster waiting to happen. There was a lot of competition: the presidential debate began at 9pm eastern and lasted almost until 11pm.
If that wasn’t enough, a new season of “The Bear” dropped on streaming.
Advance ticket sales for “Horizon” were extremely low in the first place. It’s a three hour movie, which is a big commitment if a lot of other more important diversions are happening.
There isn’t a lot of interest in a three hour Civil War movie that doesn’t have rave reviews. Plus, the “Yellowstone” audience is sending Costner a message after screwing up their favorite TV show.
Keep refreshing for updates.
PS Warner’s knows the movie biz is cyclical. Last summer, “Barbie” broke records for them. Next summer it will be something else.
***SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE***
Box Office: Costner Sinks Below “Horizon” with $3.3 Mil Friday, “A Quiet Place” Makes Noise, “Bikeriders” on Kickstand
