The star of Yellowstone, Kevin Costner, is forging on with his ambitious Horizon series, despite facing an array of obstacles and simmering controversies.
Audiences eager for the third chapter of the proposed quartet of Western epics may be in for a torturous wait, as the release date remains elusive.
Following the underwhelming box office returns of the inaugural film – a personal sting for Costner who invested $38 million (£28 million) from his own pocket – the follow-up was shelved from its cinematic debut.
Amidst this setback, allegations of sexual discrimination and harassment have emerged from the set, leading to a lawsuit filed by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella, citing her involvement in a “violent unscripted, unscheduled rape scene.”
Denying any wrongdoing, Costner’s legal representatives contend that the accusations have “absolutely no merit”, reports the Mirror US.
In light of these contentious developments, production for Horizon 3 appears wobbly, with cast member Glynn Turman uncertain about his return to filming.
Although shooting for Part 3 apparently kicked off, Turman conveyed to ScreenRant his uncertainty: “I don’t know if they’ve continued it.”
He remarked further, noting a halt in production: “I think there was a temporary shutdown and I don’t know if they went back, but Part 2, I can’t wait to see.”
Notwithstanding the first film’s availability on Netflix in the US, fans of Costner are left guessing as to when the second instalment might grace screens.
Additionally, Turman divulged that he’s completely in the dark regarding a release timeline for Horizon: Chapter 2, saying he’s heard “not a thing” pertaining to its schedule.
In an expression of mild exasperation, he admitted: “It’s kind of frustrating on my part, everybody’s part that’s connected, but I love Part 1 as well.
“It takes us back to old-fashioned moviemaking and watching stories and Kevin is one of the best at doing that, so my hat’s off to him. What a bold move he made.”
The tumultuous inception of Horizon and Costner’s divorce from Christine Baumgartner have been speculated as catalysts for his departure from Yellowstone during its climactic season.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight about his approach to his career, the Hollywood star reflected: “I don’t mind going with the crowd, but if the crowd is not going where I want to go, I’m not really worried about going my other way…
“I am really just trying to find that mythical partner who would like to maybe make movies with me for the next ten years.
“That man or woman who wants to make things that maybe stand the test of time.”
Yellowstone is available on Paramount+.