Costner's 'Horizon' Saga Deepens with New Costume Lawsuit

Kevin Costner’s second Horizon movie is encountering further difficulties as the actor confronts another legal action connected to the film’s production.

Western Costume Leasing Company, which supplied costumes for the unreleased Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2, is suing Costner, 70, and the film’s producers for a violation of their agreement and is requesting damages and legal expenses exceeding $400,000.

According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, December 22, Costner and his co-defendants engaged Western Costume to provide wardrobe for the production and “agreed to cover the expenses of the costumes and receive them in good condition.”

The lawsuit alleges that the production failed to make payments on time for the costumes, resulting in a bill of $134,256.82. The company is seeking reimbursement plus “associated charges and costs” estimated to be “in excess of $200,000.” Western Costume is also requesting an additional $200,000 in legal fees.

Kevin Costner Faces Setback in ‘Horizon 2’ Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

The second Horizon film was initially scheduled to premiere in theaters in August 2024, two months following the release of the first film. However, after the initial movie underperformed at the box office, the second film’s release was indefinitely postponed. Horizon 2 had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2024 and subsequently screened at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival earlier this February, but a wide release date remains unannounced.

Western Costume’s complaint is the most recent legal challenge facing Horizon 2 after a stunt performer initiated legal action against Costner and producers concerning a rape scene in the film. In May, Devyn LaBella accused the Oscar winner and co-defendants of workplace harassment, creating a hostile work environment and intentionally causing emotional distress.

LaBella claimed that she was required to film a “violent, unplanned, unscheduled” rape scene in Utah on May 2, 2023, which she said left her feeling ashamed and traumatized and negatively impacted her career.

Kevin Costner’s Legal Drama: Breaking Down the 'Horizon' Lawsuit

Costner’s attorney Marty Singer stated in a statement at the time that LaBella’s accusations were “completely unfounded” and “directly contradicted by her own behavior.”

“As a stunt performer on Horizon 2, the scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor a ‘thumbs up’ and indicated her willingness to then film the scene, if needed (which she was not),” Singer said.

Singer later attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed under California’s anti-SLAPP law, which is designed to safeguard free expression from frivolous legal actions. In October, however, a judge denied the request to dismiss the lawsuit entirely but did dismiss some of LaBella’s claims, including an alleged violation of the Bane Act, which is intended to combat hate crimes.

Breaking Down Kevin Costner's 'Horizon' Release Date and Lawsuit Drama

The judge also rejected one of two sexual harassment claims, asserting that the law in question applies only to harassment outside of the workplace.

The ruling left eight claims intact, including sexual harassment, sex discrimination, retaliation and breach of contract.

In response to the ruling, Singer reiterated that his client is innocent of all allegations, describing LaBella’s claims as “unrealistic.”

“We were pleased to learn that the Court granted our anti-SLAPP motion in part, dismissing two of the plaintiff’s claims (including one of her claims for sexual harassment),” the attorney told Us Weekly at the time. “While we were disappointed with the Court’s decision to allow her remaining causes of action to proceed, the evidence is clear that they have no legal or factual merit, and we plan to appeal the Court’s decision promptly.”