Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western saga Horizon: An American Saga is facing fresh legal trouble. The Hollywood actor and filmmaker has been hit with a new lawsuit alleging unpaid costume rental fees for Horizon: Chapter 2, adding to a growing list of financial and legal challenges surrounding the multi-part film project.
The lawsuit, filed Monday in California state court, seeks more than $444,000 in damages and comes at a critical moment for a franchise Costner has repeatedly described as a personal passion—and a major financial gamble.
What Is the Lawsuit Against Kevin Costner About?
The complaint was filed by Western Costume, a long-established costume rental house frequently used by Hollywood productions.
Allegations outlined in the lawsuit
According to the filing:
- Costner’s production company, Territory Pictures, allegedly failed to pay the agreed rental rates for costumes used in Horizon: Chapter 2.
- The company also allegedly did not return the costumes in the condition required under the rental agreement.
- Western Costume points to an unpaid invoice totaling approximately $134,256.82 as supporting evidence.
The suit seeks compensation not only for unpaid rental fees but also for additional damages tied to alleged breaches of contract.
Not the First Lawsuit Tied to the Horizon Films
This is not the first time the Horizon project has landed in court.
Earlier rental dispute
Earlier this year, another lawsuit involving unpaid rental fees for Horizon: Chapter 1 and its sequel was quietly settled. While details of that settlement were not publicly disclosed, it underscored the financial strain surrounding the production.
Taken together, the disputes paint a picture of a project struggling to balance creative ambition with financial realities.
Why Funding Horizon Has Been So Difficult
Costner’s vision for Horizon spans four films, an unusually large commitment for an original Western franchise in today’s box office climate.
A tough pitch in a changing industry
According to multiple reports:
- Costner has struggled to secure financing for Chapters 3 and 4.
- Last year, he even pitched the project to senior Saudi officials in hopes of securing international funding—without success.
Meanwhile, Horizon: Chapter 2 has screened at select film festivals but still lacks a confirmed wide theatrical release, especially after Chapter 1 underperformed at the box office.
That underperformance has likely made investors more cautious about backing the remaining installments.
Additional Legal Troubles for Costner
The costume lawsuit is just one of several legal battles currently involving Costner and his production entities.
Stunt performer lawsuit
Costner is also facing a lawsuit from a stunt performer who alleges:
- An unscripted rape scene was filmed without an intimacy coordinator
- Sexual discrimination, harassment, and retaliation
That case was filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court and is separate from the costume rental dispute.
Dispute with bondholder
In addition, there are ongoing legal proceedings between Costner’s company and City National Bank, the bondholder for Horizon. The dispute centers on alleged breaches of a co-financing agreement.
Together, these cases raise questions about risk management and oversight on the sprawling production.
How Much Has Kevin Costner Invested in Horizon?
Despite the mounting challenges, Costner has remained publicly committed to the project—financially and emotionally.
A personal bet
Costner has reportedly invested at least $38 million of his own money into the Horizon films.
In a May 2024 interview with GQ, he defended the decision, framing it as a matter of principle rather than profit:
“That’s the message I want my kids to understand about who I am: that I do what I believe in.”
That level of personal investment is rare in modern Hollywood, particularly for a franchise without built-in IP.
Did Horizon: Chapter 1 Fail?
The answer depends on where you look.
Box office vs. streaming
- Theatrically, Horizon: Chapter 1 fell short of expectations.
- On streaming, the film reportedly performed much better, finding an audience after its cinema run.
This mixed reception complicates the outlook for future installments. While streaming success can extend a film’s life, it doesn’t always translate into the upfront capital needed to finance expensive sequels.
What This Means for the Future of Horizon
The lawsuit doesn’t automatically derail the Horizon series, but it adds pressure at a time when momentum matters.
Key questions going forward
- Will Chapter 2 secure a wide release?
- Can Costner lock down funding for Chapters 3 and 4?
- Will ongoing legal disputes deter potential investors or distributors?
For now, Costner appears determined to see the project through, even as the financial and legal stakes rise.
TL;DR
- Kevin Costner is being sued for allegedly failing to pay costume rental fees for Horizon: Chapter 2
- The lawsuit seeks more than $444,000 in damages
- The Horizon series has faced prior lawsuits and funding challenges
- Costner has personally invested at least $38 million in the films
- Despite setbacks, he remains committed to completing the four-part saga
