Kevin Costner’s second Horizon movie has hit a new roadblock as the actor faces another lawsuit related to the film’s production.
Western Costume Leasing Company, which provided costumes for the unreleased Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 2, is suing Costner, 70, and the producers of the film for breach of contract and is seeking more than $400,000 in damages and fees.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, December 22, Costner and his codefendants hired Western Costume to furnish costumes for the production and “agreed to pay for the costumes and return them undamaged.”
The suit alleges that the production failed to make timely payments for the costumes, incurring a bill of $134,256.82. The company is seeking restitution plus “associated fees and costs” estimated to total “in excess of $200,000.” Western Costume is also asking for an additional $200,000 in attorneys’ fees.
Kevin Costner Faces Setback in ‘Horizon 2’ Sexual Harassment Lawsuit
The second Horizon film was originally scheduled to hit theaters in August 2024, two months after the release of the first film. After the first movie underperformed at the box office, however, the second film’s release was indefinitely postponed. Horizon 2 had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival in September 2024 and later played at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival this past February, but a wide release date still has not been announced.
Western Costume’s complaint is the latest legal setback facing Horizon 2 after a stunt performer sued Costner and producers over a rape scene in the film. In May, Devyn LaBella accused the Oscar winner and codefendants of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
LaBella alleged that she had to film a “violent, unscripted, unscheduled” rape scene in Utah on May 2, 2023, which she said left her filled with shame and trauma and upended her career.
Kevin Costner’s Legal Drama: Breaking Down the ‘Horizon’ Lawsuit
Costner’s attorney Marty Singer claimed in a statement at the time that LaBella’s allegations had “absolutely no merit” and were “completely contradicted by her own actions.”
“As a stunt performer on Horizon 2, the scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal in character with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor a ‘thumbs up’ and indicated her willingness to then shoot the scene, if needed (which she was not),” Singer said.
Singer later attempted to have the suit thrown out under California’s anti-SLAPP law, which is designed to protect free speech from frivolous litigation. In October, however, a judge denied the request to throw out the suit 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 threw out one of two sexual harassment claims, declaring that the law at issue applies only to harassment outside 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, calling LaBella’s claims “outlandish.”
“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.”
