Kevin Costner’sHorizon: An American Sagawas supposed to be his legacy project – a sweepingfour-part Western that he co-wrote, directed, and partly financed himself. But what began as a passion project now seems to be unraveling before the industry’s eyes, as the series faces one setback after another. This week,Costner’s production company, Horizon Series, was hit with yet another legal challenge. United Costume Corporation has filed a breach of contract lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging the company failed to pay for more than $340,000 in costume rentals used forChapter 1andChapter 2of the saga. The lawsuit cites two invoices – one from 2022 totaling roughly $58,000, and another from 2023 for approximately $285,000 – both of which remain unpaid and are now accruing interest.
The filing adds further weight to reports thatHorizonis suffering from significant budget shortfalls. Earlier this month,New Line Cinema filed an arbitration claim against Horizon Seriesfor allegedly breaching a co-financing agreement, arguing that they covered more than their agreed share when City National Bank came calling for repayment. It’s the latest blow for the cursed series of films following the news that a disturbing new lawsuit has been filed regarding the production ofChapter 2.
What’s the Sexual Harassment Suit on ‘Horizon’ About?
Devyn LaBella, a stunt performer who worked onChapter 1andChapter 2, hasfiled a bombshell lawsuit against Costnerand his production companies, claimingshe was subjected to sexual discrimination, harassment, and a hostile work environmentduring the filming of a scene in May 2023.
According to the lawsuit, LaBella – the lead stunt double for actressElla Hunt– claimsshe was not notified or prepared for a violent, unscripted rape scene that Costner allegedly improvised on set,ordering her into a scene with actorRoger Ivenswithout advance notice, rehearsal, or the presence of a contractually mandated intimacy coordinator. Hunt reportedly left the set “visibly upset” after the scene was suggested, leading to LaBella being brought in with no clear understanding of what was about to happen. The suit states:
“Mr. Ivens violently rustled Ms. LaBella’s skirt up as if trying to penetrate her against her will,”all at Costner’s instruction.It also claims Costner didn’t call action or cut consistently, leaving LaBella disoriented and vulnerable.
LaBella added in a public statement:
“On that day,I was left exposed, unprotected, and deeply betrayedby a system that promised safety and professionalism. What happened to me shattered my trust and forever changed how I move through this industry.”
She further alleges thatshe faced retaliation after reporting the incident,including being dropped fromChapter 3and no longer receiving offers from the stunt coordinator she had previously worked with.
Stay tuned to Collider for the latest updates onHorizon: An American Saga. Chapter 1 is now streaming on Netflix and Max.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1
Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.
Source:THR
