Movie

Costner's passion project 'Horizon: An American Saga' opens to a disappointing $11 million at the box office, while the 'A Quiet Place' prequel movie exceeds expectations with a $53 million debut.

• Jul 1, 2024

AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner's deeply personal project "Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1" hasn't quite lived up to its ambition in the box office arena. Released across 3,334 locations, the $100 million western epic managed to rake in only $11 million over its opening weekend. This lukewarm response, coupled with a lackluster 40% Rotten Tomatoes score and a B- CinemaScore, threatens to stymie the longevity of the film.

Costner's enthusiasm for the sprawling series, a four-part Western saga with plans to unveil "Chapter 2" this coming August, hasn't yet translated into packed theaters. Despite a significant promotional push in rural states like Utah, Texas and Wyoming, areas where his TV hit "Yellowstone" garnered substantial viewership, audiences seem hesitant to embark on this ambitious, three-hour journey.

In stark contrast, Paramount's "A Quiet Place: Day One" reverberated loudly with audiences, taking in an impressive $53 million on debut weekend. This prequel eclipsed expectations, which were set at a $40 million opening. The action-horror has staked its claim with largely positive reviews (84% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a solid B+ CinemaScore, capitalizing on the franchise's goodwill among fans and their desire to see the universe expanded.

The juxtaposition extends further as Disney and Pixar's "Inside Out 2" continues to dominate, adding another $57.4 million in its third weekend. With a global gross exceeding $1 billion, it underscores a broader trend favoring familiar franchises over original content in this summer's box office landscape.

Industry analysts note that the diverse top 10 box office entries reveal an audience preference for known commodities, from horror sequels to animated juggernauts. While films like "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" and "Kalki 2898 AD" offer variety, it's clear audiences are sticking with established brands.

For Costner and "Horizon", it's an uphill battle. Despite being a passion project, financed heavily with personal funds and an unconventional release strategy, the Western epic faces a challenging path ahead. As noted, "It's going to be about the long game."

In a summer where moviegoers are inundated with options, the success of sequels like "Inside Out 2" and "A Quiet Place: Day One" may highlight a critical lesson for filmmakers attempting to launch bold, new sagas: familiarity often trumps originality at the box office.

The tale of "Horizon" versus "A Quiet Place: Day One" becomes a fascinating case study in understanding current cinema trends and emphasizes the hefty risks and potential rewards of betting on original, deeply personal projects in a market heavily favoring sequels and established franchises.

Top 10 of North American Box Office (Jun. 28-30, 2024):

1. "Inside Out 2" - $57.4 million
2. "A Quiet Place: Day One" - $53 million
3. "Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1" - $11 million
4. "Bad Boys: Ride or Die" - $10.3 million
5. "Kalki 2898 AD" - $5.5 million
6. "The Bikeriders" - $3.3 million
7. "The Garfield Movie" - $2 million
8. "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" - $1.7 million
9. "Jatt & Juliet 3" - $1.52 million
10. "Kinds of Kindness" - $1.5 million