With the picture receiving rousing ovation and cries of “Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!” Costner appeared genuinely shaken. In his remarks, Costner expressed gratitude to the crowd and said that there would be “three more” “Horizon” films. The next one is scheduled for release in August.

Kevin Costner gets teary-eyed during the standing ovation for his film “Horizon: An American Saga” at Cannes. pic.twitter.com/ddOxeGUprm

— Variety (@Variety) May 19, 2024

With a laugh, Costner said, “I apologize that it took you so long to clap for me to understand that I should say anything. Such kind individuals. For all the players that came with me and continued to believe in me as well as in myself, it was a beautiful event. I’m glad I found this company; it’s entertaining. Nothing compares to this site. My kids and I will never forget it.”

The story of the movie, which tells the story of the American West’s expansion, is told in two parts from the viewpoints of ranchers, farmers, soldiers, and the local indigenous population. Costner has a great deal of personal stake in this project because he mortgaged his ranch and spent a large portion of his income to finance the 0 million production of the movie. He acted, produced, directed, and co-wrote the movie.

The three hours of running time and the American frontier plot proved to be too much for others, even with the positive reception following the credits. Throughout the film, there were several walkouts; some people came back, while others did not. The scene that elicited the most acclaim in the movie was when Costner’s character, traveling through the 19th-century Wild West, shoots a wicked neighbor and has sex with a woman 33 years his junior. Unlike most Cannes films, “Horizon” closes with a teaser for the upcoming release.

Over the years, Costner has found success in the Western genre. Both “Open Range,” which did well at the box office, and “Dances with Wolves,” which won praise from critics, were directed by him. In addition, Costner received an Oscar for directing and producing “Dances with Wolves.” Pre-release discussion around “Horizon” has mostly centered on Costner’s rocky exit from the popular series “Yellowstone,” which he anchored but abruptly left despite the show’s ratings success. The show’s producers said that he was less available because the intricate production of “Horizon” took up all of his time.

On Sunday, Costner debuted the first segment of “Horizon” in Cannes. In the United States, it opens on June 28. On August 16, the second chapter opens in theaters. There are dangers associated with this releasing strategy: would fans still come for the sequel if the first one doesn’t work?

Starring in “Horizon” are Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Jamie Campbell Bower, Thomas Haden Church, Jena Malone, Abby Lee, Michael Rooker, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, and Jena Malone.