69 years old, 61 films, 2 Oscars: when will this legendary actor return to cinema?

Back in 1993, when Clint Eastwood’s A Perfect World , which Arte rebroadcasts this Sunday, April 14, was released, Kevin Costner had only directed one feature film. And last but not least: Fresco Dances with Wolves, which won seven Oscars in 1991, including two for director (Best Picture and Best Director).

Since then, he’s signed on for three others: The Postman, a post-apocalyptic western that many consider a failure; open range, more classic and successful; and Horizon: An American Saga, the first installment of which will be previewed (and out of competition) at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.

“First part” Because this is a project in four chapters, from which Kevin Costner himself financed half of the 100 million dollars needed for its production. and whose history of westward expansion spans the fifteen years before and after the Civil War, according to the official synopsis.

Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Luke Wilson, Jena Malone, Jamie Campbell Bower, Isabelle Fuhrman and Thomas Hayden Church surround the actor and director. who left the series Yellowstone at the end of its 5th season and took out a loan on his house so that the project he had loved for three decades could see the light of day.

2 films have been made, 2 others are on hold

Expected to screen at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 19, the first installment of this huge bet will be released in the United States on June 28, with the second a few weeks later on August 16. But there is no word on France yet, and it will probably depend on its success across the Atlantic, the Western being a very American genre that is difficult to export.

The continuation of the saga probably depends on the box office. Because there’s only been two films made so far, that shouldn’t disorient Sam Worthington, who went through a similar situation with James Cameron’s Avatar (minus the horses and dust, plus a charming performance).

Kevin Costner will no doubt have more to say during the Cannes Film Festival, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the end of Chapter 2 could be the end point for his new mural. so as not to risk disappointing the audience.

While you wait to find out more, consider these dates on the horizon: May 19 in Cannes (one film only), then June 28 and August 16 in US theaters. Hoping that French cinemas will follow the caravan.