For the 15th time in 33 years, Kevin Costner repeats his now-signature multi-million dollar gamble by pouring his own money into . epic is taking a massive release strategy risk, as is set to be one of the biggest theatrical events of 2024, with the huge undertaking releasing two parts. Not to mention, Costner not only boasts a producer title for , but co-writer, director, and starring credits too. While the former is no stranger to producing the projects he acts in, Costner has had a decidedly mixed track record as a film funder. Needless to say, there's a lot riding on .

Reportedly, the actor-turned-director has wanted to make the Western epic for quite some time.

Given that is such a massive undertaking, he had to wait for the right moment. In the wake of 's unprecedented success, Costner is enjoying some newfound popularity from long-time and fresh fans alike. Now that the actor is officially departing the universe, he has the time needed for the . However, while it may seem like the perfect moment for Kevin Costner to try something so ambitious, it's hard to ignore his past gambles-turned-flops.

All Of Kevin Costner's Movies That He's At Least Part-Financed Himself (& Why)

In the wake of beloved '80s flicks like and , Kevin Costner tried his hand at producing. In total, he's funneled his own money into 14 past projects he felt strongly about. In 1990, Costner earned producing credits on two vastly different projects. The first was the little-remembered romantic thriller , which completely bombed, and the other was , Costner's multi-Oscar-winning directorial debut. After that, Costner would go on to finance 12 other films, from 1992's blockbuster to lesser-known indie movies like 2014's .

Aside from , , , and , Costner has at least partially financed 10 other projects.

These films include , , , , , , , , , and . With a few notable exceptions (, ), most of Costner's producing projects have flopped. In its day, was the most expensive film ever made, only to be considered a complete misfire — and Costner's most infamous flop.

Horizon Is Kevin Costner's Biggest Self-Financing Gamble Yet

Unlike some of the other movies that earned Costner producer credits, is a true passion project. As of now, the two-part saga's production budget has ballooned to a reported $100 million, leading its star/director to mortgage his 10-acre California home to cover costs.

"" Costner has said in interviews (via ). Even so, it's difficult to rationalize leveraging one's home to fund a movie. In 2006, Costner purchased the property for $28.5 million. By 2023, he mortgaged it "," sending his personal accountant into a frenzy.

This comes on the heels of Costner raising a reported $50 million for the project and deferring his own writing, producing, and acting fees in order to get the two-part saga made. When asked about the very real risks associated with taking out a mortgage and putting so much of his own money into , Costner replied, "" If the actor thinks it's a massive financial risk — which it is — he certainly doesn't seem bothered by his monetary standing. However, even with a net worth of several hundred million, Costner has publicly stated he'll never do a project on 's scale (and budget) again.