Hollywood veteran Kevin Costner is confronting a new and unexpected hurdle: the ongoing legal controversy surrounding his ambitious Western saga, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2. The high-profile lawsuit filed by stunt performer Devyn LaBella, alleging coercion into performing a violent unscripted scene, has not only attracted public scrutiny but is also threatening the commercial prospects of the film. The combination of legal drama, media coverage, and production challenges has created a perfect storm, leaving Costner to navigate both reputational and box office risks.

The Lawsuit That Shook Horizon 2

In May 2025, stunt performer Devyn LaBella filed a lawsuit claiming she was forced to participate in a scene depicting sexual violence that she had not agreed to perform. LaBella, the stunt double for lead actress Ella Hunt, alleges that she was called to the set after Hunt refused to perform the scene, and that the production lacked an intimacy coordinator—a standard safeguard for such content under Screen Actors Guild (SAG) guidelines.

LaBella describes the experience as “emotionally traumatic” and asserts that it caused lasting psychological harm and career disruption. The lawsuit names Costner and multiple production companies, alleging sexual harassment, discrimination, and the creation of a hostile work environment.

The timing of the lawsuit has compounded the difficulties for Horizon 2, which has already faced delays and budget overruns. With the release of the film pending, the controversy threatens to overshadow the narrative and affect audience perception.

Box Office Risks and Public Perception

Industry analysts warn that negative publicity surrounding lawsuits and on-set controversies can have a significant impact on box office performance. Films linked to legal disputes often see reduced ticket sales, lower attendance at premiere events, and muted marketing enthusiasm.

For Horizon 2, the timing could not be worse. The first installment of the series performed below expectations, and the sequel was meant to redeem the franchise both critically and commercially. However, with public attention focused on the lawsuit, Costner faces the dual challenge of defending his personal and professional reputation while attempting to secure audience trust and interest.

Experts note that controversy can sometimes drive curiosity and ticket sales, but in cases involving alleged sexual misconduct, the effect is often negative. Audiences are increasingly conscious of ethical concerns, and studios must weigh these considerations carefully to avoid backlash.

Costner’s Defense Strategy

Kevin Costner has vehemently denied the allegations. His legal team has filed motions to dismiss the case, presenting evidence that the scene was scripted, rehearsed, and performed with LaBella’s consent. Photos and behind-the-scenes footage depict LaBella appearing comfortable during rehearsals, and text messages allegedly sent by LaBella to the intimacy coordinator express gratitude for her role.

Costner’s defense emphasizes that the accusations are “absolutely false” and part of a coordinated attempt to damage the actor’s reputation. By proactively presenting evidence and testimonials from other cast and crew members, Costner aims to demonstrate compliance with SAG guidelines and on-set safety protocols.

The lawsuit, however, continues to dominate media coverage, making it a persistent issue for both marketing teams and the actor himself.

Production Challenges Beyond the Lawsuit

Horizon 2 has faced significant hurdles even before the lawsuit. Filming in remote locations across deserts and rugged landscapes has created logistical difficulties, including transporting equipment, managing weather delays, and coordinating large casts.

The scene at the center of the controversy was designed to reflect the brutal realities of conflict depicted in the narrative. While Costner’s creative vision has always leaned toward realism and authenticity, the legal allegations now complicate the production’s messaging and audience reception.

Despite these challenges, Costner and the production team have insisted on maintaining the film’s artistic integrity. Sources indicate that reshoots and additional safety measures are being implemented to ensure compliance with industry standards, even amidst ongoing litigation.

Marketing in a Controversial Climate

Marketing a film under legal scrutiny is delicate. Studios must balance promoting the story and star power with sensitivity to ongoing lawsuits. For Horizon 2, marketing campaigns are reportedly emphasizing action sequences, historical drama, and Costner’s return to a leading Western role, while downplaying or avoiding references to the controversial scene.

Social media responses have been mixed. Some fans have expressed unwavering support for Costner, while others are hesitant to engage with the film due to the lawsuit. Analysts suggest that targeted campaigns highlighting the film’s broader narrative and Costner’s career achievements may help mitigate negative perceptions.

Potential Long-Term Impacts

The outcome of the lawsuit could have lasting implications for Costner and the Horizon franchise. A ruling against the actor or production could result in financial penalties, mandatory compliance measures, and reputational damage. Even a dismissal may not fully erase public concern, as media narratives often continue to associate the film with controversy.

Additionally, studios may reconsider casting decisions, production timelines, and safety protocols for future installments. The case has already sparked discussions about industry-wide improvements in on-set safety, particularly for stunt performers and scenes involving simulated sexual content.

Kevin Costner’s Career Resilience

Kevin Costner has weathered controversies and box office disappointments throughout his career. From the commercial failure of Waterworld to mixed receptions for other projects, he has consistently demonstrated resilience and a commitment to diverse storytelling.

Horizon 2, despite the legal challenges, represents an ambitious project for Costner as both actor and producer. It offers an opportunity to cement his legacy in Western cinema while navigating new storytelling frontiers.

Analysts believe that Costner’s proactive legal defense, combined with strategic marketing, could help the film recover its commercial viability, though careful management of public perception will be critical.

Lessons for Hollywood

The Horizon 2 lawsuit underscores broader industry concerns:

Importance of Consent: Scenes depicting sexual content must comply with SAG guidelines and involve full transparency and informed consent.

On-Set Safety Protocols: Stunt performers and actors must be protected through formal procedures, including intimacy coordinators for sensitive scenes.

Impact on Box Office: Legal and ethical controversies can influence audience behavior, potentially reducing ticket sales and affecting franchise viability.

Media Management: Studios must carefully craft messaging and campaigns when films face public scrutiny.

Industry insiders suggest that Horizon 2 could serve as a case study for how legal disputes intersect with creative production and commercial strategy.

Looking Ahead

As legal proceedings continue, the future of Horizon 2 remains uncertain. Audiences, critics, and industry watchers are closely monitoring developments, understanding that the film’s reception may hinge on both its artistic merits and the resolution of the lawsuit.

Costner’s ability to navigate this period of controversy will be crucial not only for his career but also for the broader perception of the Horizon franchise. For now, the combination of legal drama and box office pressure presents a formidable challenge, testing the resilience of one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.

Conclusion

Kevin Costner faces a complex intersection of artistic ambition, legal scrutiny, and commercial pressure with Horizon 2. The lawsuit filed by Devyn LaBella has amplified challenges for a project already facing production hurdles, potentially affecting box office performance and audience reception.

While the film’s ultimate success remains uncertain, Costner’s career demonstrates a history of overcoming obstacles and reinventing his screen persona. Whether the Horizon franchise thrives or falters, the controversy underscores the critical importance of on-set safety, ethical responsibility, and careful management of public perception in modern Hollywood.