The final season of Yellowstone left fans buzzing with mixed emotions, especially with the unexpected departure of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. After all, the show was built around the strong presence of Costner’s character, the family patriarch, and many were left wondering how the actor felt about his character’s dramatic exit. Given his departure before the final episodes aired, Costner’s thoughts on the finale were a mystery—for a while, at least.
Now, Costner has finally broken his silence about the Yellowstone finale, but true to his character, his response was nothing short of classic. Let’s take a deep dive into his latest remarks, the drama surrounding his departure, and what fans can expect from the future of Yellowstone and its spin-offs.
Kevin Costner’s Response to the Yellowstone Finale
When asked about the series finale of Yellowstone, Kevin Costner did not offer the usual candid or emotional commentary that many fans were hoping for. Instead, in his typical understated style, Costner gave a response that seemed to reflect his disinterest in revisiting the drama of Yellowstone’s final chapter.
In a video shared by the Daily Mail, Costner was asked about the finale and his thoughts on how it all ended. His answer was blunt and to the point:
“I’m not thinking about that. I don’t think I’ve given it any thoughts. We’ll just let it go.”
It’s not exactly the kind of reflective, emotionally charged comment you might expect from an actor who’s been part of such a massive cultural phenomenon for years. But Costner has always been known for his low-key and private demeanor, so his lack of enthusiasm about revisiting Yellowstone comes as no real surprise.
The Drama Behind Costner’s Exit from Yellowstone
Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone earlier this year sent shockwaves through the fanbase. His departure, which came ahead of the final episodes, was officially attributed to scheduling conflicts. Costner was deeply involved in his passion project, Horizon: An American Saga, a four-part epic film he both directed and starred in. The timing of his departure, however, sparked rumors of a deeper rift between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.
Costner’s decision to leave raised questions about how his absence would impact the series, and the drama of Yellowstone certainly changed course without him. The Dutton patriarch, who had been at the heart of the show, was suddenly gone, and fans were left to wonder how the story could continue without him.
However, as Yellowstone pushed on and unveiled its final episodes, it became clear that John Dutton’s death was not only inevitable, but also an essential part of the show’s progression. In fact, it was a storyline that had been planned for much longer than many fans realized.
Luke Grimes and Costner: The Fallout?
While Kevin Costner’s silence on the Yellowstone finale is expected, his relationship with his co-stars—particularly Luke Grimes, who portrayed his son Kayce Dutton—has also been a point of speculation. Earlier this month, Grimes revealed in an interview that filming part two of season five of Yellowstone was “actually the easiest season” to film, suggesting that the absence of Costner on set made a significant difference.
Grimes went on to say that without Costner, “some of the conflict was gone,” hinting at potential tension on set between the co-stars. This comment led to further questions about the dynamic between Costner and Grimes, and whether their on-set relationship had suffered due to Costner’s departure.
When asked about this tension during the same interview, Costner gave a succinct response that left little room for interpretation:
“We’re done talking.”
Costner’s remark seemed to confirm the speculation about a rift between the two actors. While it’s not clear exactly what caused the friction, it’s apparent that the relationship between Costner and his co-stars has reached a point of no return. The actor’s response suggests that he’s ready to move on from Yellowstone—and, perhaps, from the drama that surrounded it.
What’s Next for Yellowstone and Kevin Costner?
Despite Costner’s exit and the mixed reactions to the series finale, Yellowstone’s legacy continues to grow. The finale, which aired on December 15, made waves with its divisive storyline. John Dutton’s death was a pivotal moment in the show, allowing the Dutton children to face the world without their father’s domineering presence. The finale also saw Kayce selling the ranch to High Chief Thomas Rainwater and Beth Dutton avenging her father’s death.
While the ending was controversial, it also marked the end of an era, as fans bade farewell to John Dutton and his complicated legacy. However, Yellowstone fans needn’t worry—the franchise isn’t going anywhere. A Yellowstone spin-off has already been confirmed, though details are still sparse.
At this point, Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) are the only names officially attached to the new project, but there’s always room for more familiar faces to return. Given Beth and Rip’s fan-favorite status and their passionate, complex relationship, it’s clear that the spin-off will have plenty of loyal viewers ready to tune in.
The future of Yellowstone may be uncertain without Costner’s John Dutton at the helm, but Sheridan’s plan to keep the story going—with or without the Dutton patriarch—has a dedicated audience. Many fans are excited to see what’s next, especially given the potential for new stories set in the Yellowstone universe.
Was John Dutton’s Death Always the Plan?
As we reflect on Yellowstone‘s conclusion, it’s important to note that John Dutton’s death was not just a random plot twist. According to Luke Grimes, the death of the family patriarch was always part of the plan from the beginning. Grimes shared that the show’s creators had always intended for John to leave the series at some point, and that his death would be a crucial turning point in the story.
Grimes revealed:
“It was always the plan for him to have to go away for the story to really ramp up… You lose a patriarch of the family. Can the kids do it on their own? I think originally he was supposed to die much earlier. So, in a way, they got way more of John Dutton than they were going to originally get.”
It seems that Costner’s exit, while sudden, didn’t fundamentally alter the direction of the story. John Dutton’s death was an important catalyst for the Dutton children to step up and take control of their legacy—without the weight of their father’s influence holding them back.
Conclusion: Kevin Costner’s Last Word on Yellowstone
Kevin Costner may have chosen to leave Yellowstone, but his impact on the show and its characters will forever be felt. His portrayal of John Dutton helped shape the entire narrative and established the show as a cultural phenomenon. While his response to the finale and the drama surrounding his exit may have been brief and nonchalant, Costner’s legacy in Yellowstone is far from over.
As the Yellowstone franchise continues to evolve, there’s no telling what’s next for the Dutton family and the actors who have brought them to life. But one thing is clear: Costner’s decision to move on may have been inevitable, but his character will always be at the heart of the show’s story.
