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When the Credits Roll, the Lawsuits Begin

When the Credits Roll, the Lawsuits Begin

Two high-profile productions are making headlines this week — not for their box office buzz, but for the legal battles behind the scenes. Kevin Costner’s Horizon just settled a lawsuit over unpaid costume rental fees, while It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni is suing insurance providers over costly production delays. As productions scale up and budgets tighten, these cases show how financial missteps — even behind the camera — can spark serious legal consequences.

ChaseLawyers Newsletter
August 05, 2025

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This week’s legal stories take us behind the curtain of two major productions — where contracts, insurance policies, and payment disputes are center stage. Kevin Costner’s ambitious Western epic Horizon faced a lawsuit over unpaid wardrobe rentals — a case that’s now been quietly settled. Meanwhile, It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni is taking insurance companies to court, claiming they failed to cover COVID-related delays that drove up costs and left the production in limbo. These behind-the-scenes battles are a reminder that in film and TV, airtight legal planning is just as important as creative vision.

Kevin Costner’s Horizon Settles Lawsuit Over Costume Fees

Horizon: An American Saga, the Western project directed by and starring Kevin Costner, has reached a quiet resolution in a lawsuit over unpaid costume rental fees. The costume supplier, United American Costume Company, alleged that it was owed over $100,000 for wardrobe pieces used in the production. According to the complaint, despite repeated attempts to collect, the bill remained unpaid for months — until the lawsuit made headlines. The matter has now been settled, avoiding further public litigation.
The case serves as a cautionary tale for production teams: no matter the size of the project or its star power, vendors and partners expect timely, contractually agreed payment.

Justin Baldoni Sues Insurers Over It Ends With Us Production Delays

Actor and director Justin Baldoni is suing a group of insurance providers over their alleged refusal to pay out on claims related to delays during the filming of It Ends With Us, a movie adaptation of the bestselling novel. Baldoni claims that COVID-related halts, including issues tied to SAG-AFTRA’s safety protocols, significantly delayed production and drove up costs. The lawsuit argues that the insurers wrongfully denied coverage — despite contract terms that should’ve applied.
This suit highlights a rising trend: producers relying on policies that don’t hold up when tested. As film productions continue to navigate an unpredictable post-pandemic industry, the legal strength of your coverage matters more than ever.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Kevin Costner’s ‘Horizon’ Settles Lawsuit Over Unpaid Costume Fees Amid Financial, Legal Woes

Kevin Costner’s Western saga faced legal trouble over unpaid wardrobe bills — but the lawsuit was swiftly settled before trial. It’s a reminder: even prestige projects must follow the fine print.

Justin Baldoni Sues ‘It Ends With Us’ Insurers to Cover Legal Fees

Justin Baldoni is suing multiple insurers for allegedly refusing to cover COVID-related filming delays on It Ends With Us. The case could set precedent for post-pandemic film policies.

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