Walking Dead alums Tom Payne and Michael Rooker star in the latest film from Kevin Costner, Horizon: An American Saga. The film begins in the Civil War era and marks Costner's first story from that era since Dances with Wolves (1990). The film recently screened at Cannes, earning a 7-minute standing ovation, which brought Costner to tears.
Costner, who contributed $20 million to the project, produces, directs, and stars in the film co-written by Jon Baird. This project has been in the works for over 30 years, and after he was unable to find a studio to finance the epic project, he partially self-funded the films. The saga will consist of four movies, two of which will be released in 2024 and the remaining at a later date.
The film has an all-star cast consisting of Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Giovanni Ribisi, Jena Malone, Abbey Lee, Michael Rooker, Danny Huston, Luke Wilson, Isabelle Fuhrman, Jeff Fahey, Will Patton, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Ella Hunt, Jamie Campbell Bower and Thomas Haden Church. Payne and Rooker also star, take a look at their characters below.
Payne shared a first look at his character Hugh Proctor on social media.
Rooker portrays Sgt. Major Riordan and shared the first look at his character on social media.
"Just so y’all know that uniform is the real deal full on wool in the middle of Utah in the middle of summer it was Absolute craziness…. And at the same time, the most fun I ever had."
- Michael Rooker
The second official trailer mirrors the first, showing an action-packed western with outstanding cinematography. Part one of the film will be released in theaters on June 29, with the second premiering on August 16. The first film spans from 1861 to 1865 during the American Civil War, with the second chronicling the westward expansion of the United States.
Payne, who portrayed Jesus in The Walking Dead, recently starred in the Blumhouse thriller Imaginary with DeWanda Wise, Taegen Burns, and Pyper Braun. He also joined Law & Order: Organized Crime as Julian Emery.
Payne and his wife Jennifer Åkerman recent announced the birth of their twins.
Rooker, who portrayed Merle Dixon in The Walking Dead, recently starred in the Netflix original action comedy The Out-Laws with Adam Devine, Pierce Brosnan, and Ellen Barkin. He also reprised his role as Yondu from the Guardians of the Galaxy films in the second season of Marvel's What If...? series.
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