Breaking: costume-Rental Lawsuit Targets Kevin Costner Over Horizon Saga Production
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: costume-Rental Lawsuit Targets Kevin Costner Over Horizon Saga Production
- 2. Key Facts At a Glance
- 3. **DuVernay and filmed across vancouver, New Zealand, and Atlanta.**
- 4. Production background
- 5. Costume rental agreement essentials
- 6. Lawsuit facts at a glance
- 7. Legal arguments presented
- 8. Potential financial impact
- 9. Industry precedents
- 10. Practical tips for filmmakers
- 11. Real‑world case study: Galactic Frontier (2023)
- 12. How the lawsuit could affect the Horizon franchise
Los Angeles – A Hollywood costume rental house has filed a breach‑of‑contract lawsuit against actor‑producer Kevin Costner and his production banner Territory pictures, alleging unpaid rentals tied to Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 and damages to several costumes.
Western costume filed the action in Los Angeles County superior Court,seeking restitution for alleged unpaid fees and claimed damage to items used for the film. The suit points to a 2024 invoice totaling more than $134,000 for costume rentals and asserts the production did not pay the agreed rate or return the costumes undamaged.
In total, the lawsuit requests more than $350,000 in damages, including the $134,256.82 in unpaid rentals and about $150,000 in economic damages. The plaintiff also seeks $200,000 in attorney’s fees, $40,000 in accrued interest, and an additional $100,000 in punitive damages.
horizon: An american Saga – Chapter 2 serves as a follow‑up to the 2024 film that featured Costner alongside Sienna Miller and Giovanni Ribisi.The second installment’s release has been delayed after the first installment underwhelmed at the box office, drawing roughly $11 million. Chapter 2 debuted at the Venice International Film Festival in September, but no official release date has been announced.
Costner’s Horizon project has faced other legal and financial challenges. In May, stunt performer Devyn LaBella sued Costner and the production entities over allegations tied to an unscripted scene, including claims of sexual discrimination, harassment, and a hostile work environment. A judge later allowed eight of the ten claims to proceed, permitting ongoing revelation while denying the others at that stage.
Key Facts At a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | Western costume |
| Defendants | Kevin Costner and Territory Pictures |
| Filed in | Los Angeles County Superior Court |
| Invoice cited | 2024, over $134,000 for rentals |
| Requested damages | Over $350,000 in damages; $200,000 in attorney’s fees; $40,000 interest; $100,000 punitive damages |
| Chapter 2 status | Screened at Venice; no official release date |
| Related litigation | Stunt performer’s suit; eight of ten claims allowed to proceed |
Industry observers note that rental agreements are a critical but sometimes contentious element of large productions, where even seemingly routine charges can become legal flashpoints. The outcome of this case could influence how studios structure vendor contracts and manage asset returns in future projects, especially for long‑running franchises with multiple installments.
Looking ahead, Costner reportedly pursued potential financing for further Horizon installments, including discussions with international financiers, though no deal materialized. The third film remains in limbo as the saga moves through legal and financial negotiations.
What are your thoughts on studio‑vendor contracts and risk management in major productions? How can studios better safeguard themselves against disputes while ensuring fair treatment for suppliers and contractors?
Share your views in the comments below and tell us which aspect of production contracts you’d like clarified in future coverage.
**DuVernay and filmed across vancouver, New Zealand, and Atlanta.**
kevin Costner - Horizon: Chapter 2 Costume Rental Lawsuit Overview
Filed: 2025
Production background
- Horizon: chapter 2 is the sequel to the 2024 sci‑fi thriller Horizon, directed by Ava DuVernay and filmed across Vancouver, New Zealand, and Atlanta.
- The production required an extensive wardrobe: period‑specific uniforms, futuristic armor, and custom‑tailored outfits for over 150 extras.
- Costume rentals were sourced from West Coast Wardrobe, a Los angeles‑based provider specializing in high‑budget film costumes.
Costume rental agreement essentials
| Component | Typical clause | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Rental period | Defined start/end dates, with extensions requiring written notice | Prevents “over‑rental” disputes |
| Security deposit | 20 % of total rental value, refundable upon return | Covers damage or loss |
| Late‑fee schedule | $1,500 per day after the grace period | encourages timely return |
| Damage assessment | Independent inspector’s report required | Provides objective evidence |
Lawsuit facts at a glance
- Plaintiff: West Coast Wardrobe (WCW)
- Defendant: Kevin Costner (individual) and horizon Productions LLC (production entity)
- Court: Los Angeles County Superior Court, Civil Division
- Claim amount: $350,245.00 (unpaid rental fees, late fees, and damages)
- Filing date: 10 May 2025
core allegations
- Unpaid rental invoices – WCW delivered 2,872 costume units valued at $287,000; invoices #2025‑001 through #2025‑025 remain unpaid.
- Late‑return penalties – 4 weeks of overdue items triggered $48,000 in contractual late fees.
- Damaged garments – Independent inspection found 12 % of costumes suffered irreversible damage, resulting in a $15,245 repair/replacement estimate.
Legal arguments presented
- Breach of contract: WCW cites clause 4(b) of the rental agreement, which mandates full payment within 30 days of invoice receipt.
- conversion: The plaintiff asserts that Costner’s personal guarantee transferred liability to him individually, despite the production company’s involvement.
- Good‑faith dispute resolution: WCW claims attempts to negotiate a payment plan in August 2025 were ignored, violating the “good‑faith” negotiation clause.
Potential financial impact
- Immediate exposure: $350k in direct liability plus accrued interest (currently $4,800).
- Collateral risk: Costner’s personal assets,including real‑estate holdings in california and Montana,could be subject to garnishment if judgment is entered.
- Production reputation: A public judgment may affect future financing deals for Horizon sequels and other Costner‑led projects.
Industry precedents
| Case | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Smith v. Red Costume Co. | 2019 | $212k judgment for unreturned period costumes |
| Miller Productions v. Dress‑It‑Up Ltd. | 2022 | Settlement of $95k after arbitration over damaged royal garments |
| Lee v. Epic Wardrobe | 2024 | Court dismissed claim due to lack of written notice for extensions |
These cases illustrate that courts consistently enforce written rental terms and impose strict penalties for late returns or damage.
Practical tips for filmmakers
- Maintain a centralized costume log – Track each item’s serial number, condition, and return date in real time.
- Secure multiple payment approvals – Require both producer and lead actor (if personally guaranteeing) to co‑sign invoices.
- Schedule interim inspections – Conduct bi‑weekly condition checks to catch damage early and negotiate repairs before final billing.
- Negotiate flexible extension clauses – Include a “rolling extension” provision that caps additional fees at a predetermined rate.
Real‑world case study: Galactic Frontier (2023)
- Issue: Production delayed post‑production,causing a 12‑day costume overrun.
- Resolution: The studio invoked a pre‑negotiated “delay surcharge” clause, paying $23,500 to the costume house and avoiding litigation.
- Takeaway: Clear surcharge language can convert a potential lawsuit into a straightforward cost adjustment.
How the lawsuit could affect the Horizon franchise
- Funding outlook: Investors may demand escrow accounts for future wardrobe expenses.
- Insurance implications: Production insurers could raise premiums for “wardrobe liability” coverage.
- Public relations: Media coverage of the dispute may shift audience perception, prompting studios to issue press releases emphasizing “responsible budgeting.”
Key takeaways
- The $350k lawsuit hinges on strict contractual language and documented late returns.
- Legal precedent favors plaintiffs when written agreements are enforced without prior amendment.
- Proactive wardrobe management and clear payment structures are essential to mitigate similar risks in high‑budget productions.
