The Groundbreaking Release Strategy Revolutionizing Kevin Costner's Epic Two-Part Western: Studios Can't Ignore This!
Kevin Costner's groundbreaking release plan for his epic two-part Western challenges industry norms Will Horizon's strategy revolutionize the film industry?
Summary
The nonconventional release strategy for Horizon films will save Warner Bros. millions in marketing costs, but poses a risk.
Releasing both films close to each other can enhance their success by ensuring the story remains fresh in the minds of the audience, leading to greater investment in the sequel.
Costner and Warner Bros. are relying on the triumph of the initial two Horizon films to lay the groundwork for upcoming installments and solidify Horizon's position as a leading Western film franchise.
Hollywood insiders are shedding light on the unique release strategy for next year's Horizon movies. The film, directed by and starring Kevin Costner, is an epic Western that tells the story of the settling of the American West before and after the Civil War. Horizon: An American Saga and Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 are set to be released in the summer of 2024, on June 28 and August 16 respectively.
Puck magazine provides a detailed account of Horizon's unconventional release strategy. According to a source, Warner Bros. has agreed to this risky and non-traditional plan because Costner and the investors of Horizon are taking care of the project's marketing and release expenses. This decision will save the studio approximately $40 to $50 million, and releasing both films simultaneously has the potential to simplify their marketing efforts.
Will Horizon’s Release Strategy Work for the Film?
According to the Puck article, this strategy would typically pose a significant risk for a studio like Warner Bros. If Horizon: An American Saga fails, the release of Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 immediately after would create a problem for the film. Rather than cancelling the sequel or devising a better marketing strategy, Warner Bros. would be stuck with a sequel that is likely to flop even harder if the first film fails to resonate with viewers.
However, the Horizon films also have the potential to thrive if things go well. By the time Horizon: An American Saga exits theaters, Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 2 will be almost ready for release. The short time gap ensures that the first Horizon film will be fresh in the minds of audiences, increasing the likelihood of them investing in the follow-up story.
Costner and Warner Bros. are heavily relying on the success of the initial two Horizon films, as there are already plans to produce Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 3 and Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 4 as subsequent installments. Considering Costner's recent accomplishments in Yellowstone, which showcase his expertise in the Western genre, Horizon holds the promise of becoming the next prominent Western film franchise. The unconventional release strategy of Horizon is expected to further enhance its reputation.
