Kevin Costner's Horizon Saga is fighting for its future both on and off screen.

Kevin Costner has put a lot of time, money, and effort into his grandiose Western film series, Horizon: An American Saga. There's no doubt about that. This project has several parts, and he loves it. Its goal is to present a big story about the American West. But even though he is very dedicated, the trip for Horizon has not been easy at all. Costner is dealing with a lot of problems in his life, from unanticipated legal battles to changes in his personal life and money problems. These problems go far beyond the film sets.

I'm quite interested in how Horizon is coming along, especially since Costner has had success with Westerns in the past. But it's apparent that this project and Costner himself are experiencing a lot of problems. Horizon is having a hard time not only with box office statistics and reviews, but also with serious accusations and personal problems that could affect the future of the whole narrative. It's a reminder that even for a well-known director like Costner, the road to making a big idea happen can be full of surprises.

The Horizon Saga Is in Legal Trouble Outside of the Box Office

A Stunt Performer's Shocking Claims

The lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella is one of the most worrying things about Horizon: An American Saga. She says that while they were filming Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2, she was forced to do an unscripted rape scene. This assertion is very concerning, especially since LaBella says that the scenario was filmed without any safety professionals, such as stunt coordinators or intimacy coordinators.

LaBella's new lawsuit says that Costner told her to "lay down" as actor Roger Ivens climbed on top of her, raised her skirt, and held her legs down. She says she was never given the chance to get ready for or agree to this sequence, and that her personal underwear was shown, which made her feel "shock, embarrassment, and humiliation." It gets even worse since actress Ella Hunt, who LaBella was a stunt double for, is said to have walked off the set after refusing to do the same scenario. Marty Singer, Costner's lawyer, said that LaBella's claims are "meritless" and that there was "no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot."

LaBella's lawyers have responded to Singer's accusation that she is a "serial accuser" by saying that she had "never before lodged a claim against any employer" in her career. Not only does this lawsuit ask for money, but it also asks that the production companies train their employees to avoid sexual harassment and hire intimacy coordinators for future projects. These accusations are really serious, and they have a big effect on the production of Horizon.

People are also looking into Costner's personal life.

A divorce that caused a lot of trouble and friends taking sides

In addition to the legal problems on set, Kevin Costner has also had to deal with big upheavals in his personal life. His divorce from Christine Baumgartner, who he had been married to for almost 19 years, was formalized in February 2024. The breakup was anything but friendly. There was a long, bitter legal struggle about child support, with Baumgartner first asking for a lot more than the $63,209 per month she ended up getting.

Baumgartner is now engaged to investor Josh Connor, who used to be a "close friend" and neighbor of Costner. This makes things even more complicated. Reports say that Costner's "true friends immediately cut off Christine and Josh and would never attend their wedding," which shows how bad things have gotten. It's impossible to understand how much stress and pain this kind of public and personal upheaval causes anyone, let alone someone trying to start a multi-film series.

Costner has also talked about allegations that he is dating singer Jewel. He said on The Howard Stern Show that they are "friends" and have "never gone out ever." He said he was worried that these reports could "ruin our friendship" and stressed that she is "special" to him. He clearly wants to keep others from talking about his relationships in public, which shows what kind of person he is.

Even if Costner is working hard, the future of Horizon is still unclear.

The financial success of Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 has made Costner's big project much harder. The first movie made only $38.7 million globally, whereas the first two movies had a combined budget of $100 million. Because of this poor performance, Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2 was taken off its original release date in theaters in August 2024. Chapter 2 did have its international premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024. It was also shown at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2025.

Even though things have gone wrong, Costner is still very determined to finish his four-part Western drama. Danny Huston, who is in the Horizon movies, recently said that "a lot of Chapter 3" has already been filmed. Huston said nice things about Costner, stating, "There's no stopping him." He is really amazing, and this goal of his is coming true in a big manner. This is good news, but the third movie has reportedly been put on hold since there isn't enough money. Costner has been "meeting all the billionaires" to get money for the other movies.

The market for Westerns in theaters is tough, and even if Costner is dedicated, it's still not certain what the future holds for Horizon. I hope he can make his dream come true, but it's going to be very hard because of all the legal issues, personal problems, and money problems. He keeps pushing for this project because he cares so much about it. The story of Horizon is turning out to be just as dramatic off-screen as it is on-screen.

Questions and Answers

What is the lawsuit against Kevin Costner all about?

Devyn LaBella, a stunt performer, is suing Kevin Costner and the production company of Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2 because she says she was made to do an unscripted rape scene without following safety rules or getting permission.

How is Kevin Costner's divorce going?

After a long and bitter legal struggle, Kevin Costner's divorce from Christine Baumgartner was finalized in February 2024.

Is Jewel dating Kevin Costner?

Kevin Costner has said in public that he and Jewel are "friends" and have "never gone out," even if there are rumors to the contrary.

How well did Chapter 1 of Horizon: An American Saga do at the box office?

Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1 made $38.7 million globally, but the first two chapters had a combined budget of $100 million, which pushed back the release of Chapter 2 in theaters.

Is there going to be a Chapter 3 and 4 of Horizon: An American Saga?

A lot of filming has been done for Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 3, but the project is on hold because of money problems. Kevin Costner is still motivated to finish all four parts of the series.