Renowned actor Kevin Costner's highly anticipated Western epic, "Horizon: An American Saga," made its grand entrance at the Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, leaving audiences enthralled and earning a resounding seven-minute standing ovation. The emotional Costner was visibly moved as the film received tremendous applause and chants of "Kevin! Kevin! Kevin!" reverberated throughout the theater.

In a heartfelt speech, Costner expressed his gratitude to the audience and announced plans for "three more" installments of the "Horizon" franchise, adding to the anticipation surrounding the already scheduled sequel in August. Amidst laughter, he jokingly apologized for keeping the audience clapping for so long before addressing them and remarked on the importance of the moment, not just for himself, but for his fellow actors and those who believed in the project. He credited the film industry for providing him with a profound sense of fulfillment, emphasizing, "There's no place like here. I'll never forget this - either will my children."

"Horizon: An American Saga" delves into the perilous journey of the American West, narrated from the perspectives of cattle ranchers, farmers, soldiers, and the Native communities who inhabited the land before them. A deeply personal endeavor for Costner, the film was brought to life through his personal investment, even mortgaging his own ranch. He not only directed and starred in the movie but also produced and co-wrote the screenplay.

While the film garnered widespread admiration during its Cannes screening, the three-hour runtime and the intense American frontier storyline proved too overwhelming for some viewers, resulting in numerous walkouts. Although many attendees returned to witness the cinematic spectacle, some chose not to endure the entirety of the film. Notably, Costner shooting down a villainous character received the biggest applause throughout the movie. Additionally, the film concluded with an intriguing preview of the next installment, adding to the excitement surrounding the franchise.

The Western genre has always been a fruitful endeavor for Costner, with successes such as "Open Range" and the Oscar-winning "Dances with Wolves," both of which he directed. His highly publicized departure from the hit show "Yellowstone" has also been a hot topic, as his commitment to "Horizon" resulted in scheduling conflicts. The film's pre-release publicity prominently featured Costner's involvement and generated considerable intrigue among audiences.

Having presented the first part of "Horizon" at Cannes, Costner's epic journey into the Wild West is set to captivate audiences when it hits theaters on June 28 in the United States, followed by the second chapter on August 16. With the release strategy bearing its own risks, the film's potential success may depend on the reception of the initial installment and the audience's willingness to return for the eagerly awaited follow-up.

As the illustrious actor continues to leave his mark on the Western genre, "Horizon: An American Saga" emerges as a milestone in his career, showcasing his passion and dedication to storytelling and solidifying his iconic status within the realm of American cinema.