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Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon 2’ Theatrical Release Postponed Amid First Film’s Box Office Disappointment

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Following the failure of Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 1 during its late-month theater premiere, the movie has been removed from the release schedule for the time being. The sequel will still likely be released in theaters, albeit a new release date has not yet been revealed.

Following much deliberation, Territory Pictures, owned by Costner, and distribution partner New Line Cinema decided to reschedule their ambitious release schedule with the goal of giving the $100 million first film’s audience more time to grow.

As part of that endeavor, Chapter 1 will continue to be accessible for viewing in theaters and have its home debut on Premium VOD on July 16.

In order to allow viewers more time to find the first installment of Horizon over the next few weeks, especially on PVOD and Max, Territory Pictures and New Line Cinema have opted not to release Horizon: Chapter 2 on August 16. A New Line representative added, “We are grateful to our exhibition partners for their ongoing support as moviegoers across the U.S. discover the film during its theatrical run.

“The audience response to Horizon, and enthusiasm for seeing our story continue in Horizon 2, has been incredibly gratifying. Kevin made this film for people who love movies and who wanted to go on a journey. The support that we have received from film fans, and the theater owners, as they experience the first chapter of this saga only serves to reinforce our belief in them and the films that we have made, and we thank them for coming on board for the ride. We welcome the opportunity for that window to be expanded as we know it will only serve to enhance the experience of seeing Horizon 2.” added Territory Pictures in a separate statement.

Max’s Release Date is Still Pending

The parent company of New Line, Warner Bros., started alerting theater owners on Wednesday morning about the shocking last-minute move. The opportunity to purchase early tickets for Chapter 2 was provided by numerous theaters; however, those purchases will now need to be reimbursed.

Costner took a significant risk with the Horizon series, investing $38 million of his personal funds into Chapter 1 and raising the remaining funds from the sale of international rights and two unidentified investors. For a fee, New Line and Warners agreed to distribute and market the first two films, with Costner covering the marketing himself. Costner plans to produce a total of four movies.

Despite his reputation for confidence, Costner surprised the film industry when he said he would be directing four Horizon films, which would follow the enormous migration west during the Civil War era, for the first time in decades. Warner Bros. stated in April that it will be distributing the first two movies with a release window of less than two months apart, which was an unusual move. Because of his commitment to Horizon, Costner departed his popular program Yellowstone because he was so involved.

Although Costner’s film did not quite ignite his fans or Yellowstone viewers to the desired extent, especially those between the ages of 18 and 44, it did play best in mountainous regions, the Midwest, South, and South Central states. Costner believed his film would strike a nerve in America’s heartland, just as Yellowstone has. It should come as no surprise that the bulk of the audience is over 45 and the film has a noticeably older tilt.

Warner Bros. developed a marketing campaign that largely included Costner, who both toured the nation and had the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The studio also made use of sibling organizations that are a part of Warner Bros. Discovery, such as TCM, where Costner made an appearance as a guest programmer, and TNT sporting events, such MLB and NBA games. In addition, there were trips to military bases and comprehensive screening procedures in other locations.

The return date of Horizon: Chapter 2 to theaters has not yet been announced. The third and fourth film’s distribution rights were not acquired by Warner Bros. or New Line.

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“Him” Teaser: Jordan Peele’s New Sports Horror Film Tackles Obsession and Sacrifice

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How far would you go for greatness?

The first chilling teaser for “Him”, a Jordan Peele-produced psychological sports horror film, has dropped—and it raises an unsettling question: What must athletes truly sacrifice to achieve superstardom? From blood and sweat to faith and identity, the film looks to unpack the cost of ambition in the most terrifying way possible.

A Dark Tale of Fame and Obsession

“Him” stars Tyriq Withers, a real-life former college wide receiver, as Cameron Cade, a fictional rising-star quarterback whose dreams are crushed after a brutal attack by an obsessed fan. Just when his future in football seems over, Cade is offered a lifeline from his idol: Isaiah White, an NFL legend played by Marlon Wayans.

Isaiah invites Cade to train at his secluded compound—an invitation that seems too good to be true. As their training intensifies, Cade discovers that his mentor’s charm masks a much darker force. What starts as a chance at redemption turns into a psychological descent that threatens Cade’s mind, body, and soul.

Official Synopsis

“Cameron Cade (Withers) is a rising-star quarterback who has devoted his life and identity to football. On the eve of professional football’s annual scouting Combine, Cam is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma. Just when all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White (Wayans), a legendary eight-time Championship quarterback and cultural megastar, offers to train Cam at Isaiah’s isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife, Elsie White (Julia Fox). But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker, sending his protégé down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.”

A Star-Studded, Genre-Bending Cast

Joining Withers and Wayans are Julia Fox as Isaiah’s enigmatic wife, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, MMA star Maurice Greene, hip-hop artist Guapdad 4000, and Grammy-nominated musician Tierra Whack.

Directed by Justin Tipping, the film is based on a Black List screenplay by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, with Tipping contributing to the final script. The production is helmed by Monkeypaw Productions, the creative powerhouse behind Peele’s genre-defining hits like Get Out and Nope.

Monkeypaw’s Latest Mind-Bending Vision

“Him” is the latest project under Monkeypaw’s ongoing five-year deal with Universal Pictures, signed in 2019. Producers include Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson, with David Kern and Kate Oh serving as executive producers.

Jordan Peele has teased his own fourth directorial project is in the works, calling it potentially his “favorite movie yet.” In a 2024 interview on Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Peele emphasized the importance of “grounding characters” in both horror and comedy, “The fantastical and the imagination… that becomes a certain type of project and exercise. But the exercise of grounding it is always what makes it work. That to me, in horror especially, is the hardest part.”

Conclusion: A New Era of Horror and Sports Collide

With a unique mix of psychological horror, sports drama, and social commentary, “Him” promises to be a genre-defying thriller that pushes the boundaries of what a sports movie can be. As the line between dedication and obsession blurs, audiences are left to ask: How much would you give to be the best?

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Danny Boyle Drops Second Trailer for ’28 Years Later

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Danny Boyle Drops Second Trailer for '28 Years Later

The undead are back, and they’re angrier than ever. Columbia Pictures has unveiled Official Trailer 2 for 28 Years Later, the long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s iconic post-apocalyptic film 28 Days Later. This marks the first in a new trilogy from the original team—director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland—joined by a high-profile cast and a grittier vision of the infected-plagued UK.

A New Generation Faces the Rage Virus

Set nearly three decades after the original outbreak, the film follows a small band of survivors quarantined on an isolated island connected to the mainland by a single fortified causeway. When one member ventures into the devastated mainland, he unearths horrifying truths—not just about the infected, but about what humanity has become.

The trailer offers a grim and suspenseful look at a UK transformed by chaos, brutality, and survival instinct.

Star Power and New Horrors

The cast includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. Original franchise lead Cillian Murphy, now an Oscar winner for Oppenheimer, is confirmed to executive produce—and hinted to appear later in the trilogy.

At CinemaCon, Boyle said, I still love an apocalypse, British-style. I still love the infected. And I still love blowing shit up.”

Meanwhile, director Nia DaCosta teased the second sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, calling it “very different” and creatively liberating.

The Legacy Continues

From the gritty terror of 28 Days Later to the haunting vision of 28 Years Later, this new chapter expands the franchise while holding true to its roots. With advanced visuals, chilling plot twists, and deep social commentary, the rage virus saga evolves for a new generation of horror fans.

If Trailer 2 is any indication, 28 Years Later is set to reignite the apocalyptic horror genre. With the original creative duo at the helm and a powerhouse cast, this is one sequel fans won’t want to miss.

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HBO Confirms Hogwarts Staff Casting in Harry Potter TV Series

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HBO Confirms Hogwarts Staff Casting in Harry Potter TV Series

The magic is officially returning! HBO has confirmed the first wave of casting for its highly anticipated Harry Potter TV series, unveiling fresh faces who will take on the legendary roles of Hogwarts’ iconic staff.

New Cast Revealed for Hogwarts Roles

Here’s who has officially joined the cast:

  • John Lithgow (The Crown, Conclave) as Albus Dumbledore
  • Janet McTeer (The White Queen, Tumbleweeds) as Minerva McGonagall
  • Paapa Essiedu (I May Destroy You) as Severus Snape
  • Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) as Rubeus Hagrid
  • Luke Thallon will play Quirinus Quirrell in a recurring role
  • Paul Whitehouse joins as Argus Filch, also in a recurring role

Showrunner Francesca Gardiner and director Mark Mylod praised the casting, stating, “We’re delighted to have such extraordinary talent onboard and can’t wait to see them bring these beloved characters to new life.”

HBO has promised a faithful adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s bestselling book series. Each season will explore one book in-depth, aiming to expand the magical universe while staying true to the original stories.

Filming is expected to begin this summer, and while the main trio—Harry, Ron, and Hermione—has yet to be cast, over 30,000 actors submitted auditions following HBO’s open casting call.

The series is being written and executive produced by Francesca Gardiner, with direction and executive production by Mark Mylod. The production is a collaboration between Brontë Film and TV, Warner Bros. Television, and Heyday Films.

Executive producers also include J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts, and David Heyman, who produced all eight original Harry Potter films.

With such a powerhouse team and a carefully selected cast, HBO’s Harry Potter series is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV events in years. Stay tuned for more magical updates from the wizarding world!

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