Kevin Costner Faces Lawsuit Over Unpaid Costume Rentals for Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2

Kevin Costner and several entities associated with the production of his film *Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2* are facing a lawsuit filed by Western Costume Leasing Company in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit, initiated on December 22, 2023, alleges breach of contract due to unpaid costume rental fees totaling over $400,000. Specifically, the company claims that Costner and his co-defendants failed to pay $134,256.82 for costume rentals and seeks additional damages, including $150,000 for economic losses, $200,000 in attorney's fees, and $40,000 in accrued interest.

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The lawsuit emerges as Costner navigates significant financial and legal challenges while attempting to complete his Western film series. The first installment of *Horizon* underperformed at the box office, grossing only $38.7 million against a $100 million budget, leading to delays in the release of Chapter 2. Costner has reportedly invested at least $38 million of his own funds into the project and has struggled to secure financing for the remaining installments. In 2024, he engaged with Saudi officials to discuss potential funding, but those negotiations did not result in a deal.

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In addition to the unpaid fees, the lawsuit claims that some costumes were returned damaged. This legal action is not the first associated with the *Horizon* films; earlier in 2023, stunt performer Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit alleging sexual discrimination and harassment related to an unscripted scene that involved a sexual assault. Costner has publicly denied LaBella's allegations, describing them as "absolutely false" and expressing disappointment over the claims.

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As of now, there has been no public comment from Costner or the Western Costume Leasing Company regarding the ongoing lawsuit. The production team has previously faced scrutiny for various legal issues, including a settlement related to unpaid rentals from Chapter 1.

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Critics of Costner's management of the *Horizon* series have pointed to the mounting legal troubles and financial difficulties as indicative of broader issues within the production. The failure to secure timely payments for costume rentals raises questions about the financial viability of the project and the management practices of Costner and his production company, Territory Pictures.

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The lawsuit is set to unfold in the California court system, with potential implications for the future of the *Horizon* series. Additionally, a hearing is scheduled in March 2024 regarding arbitration between Costner's company and City National Bank over financing disputes related to the film series. The outcome of these legal challenges may significantly impact the production timeline and financial health of the *Horizon* saga.

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“Devyn's claims against me are absolutely false, and it is deeply disappointing to me that a woman who worked on our production would claim that I or any other member of my production team would make one of our own feel uncomfortable, let alone suffer the ‘nightmare’ she has invented,” — Kevin Costner, Actor and Producer

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