Kevin Costner risked a significant portion of his personal fortune for the film “Horizon” because of his deep passion for the project and his belief in its potential. Costner has long been dedicated to creating epic, historically rich films, and “Horizon” fits into this vision. The film, which is set during the American Civil War and focuses on the expansion of the American West, is a story Costner has been passionate about for decades.
Costner has a history of taking financial risks to bring his creative visions to life. He did something similar with “Dances with Wolves,” which he both directed and starred in, and which became a major success despite initial skepticism from Hollywood. For “Horizon,” Costner likely felt that the story was too important to compromise on, even if it meant putting his own money on the line to maintain creative control and ensure the project was realized according to his vision.
By investing his own money, Costner could retain more control over the production, direction, and final cut of the film, which is crucial for a director who is deeply invested in the narrative and its historical significance. His decision to self-finance the project underscores his commitment to telling the story as authentically and thoroughly as possible, regardless of the financial risks involved.