As fans eagerly await the second part of Yellowstone Season 5, the looming question is how John Dutton III, portrayed by Kevin Costner, will be written out of the series. Costner’s departure is no small matter, as John has been central to the Dutton family’s struggles to maintain their ranch and legacy. Since Yellowstone has only six episodes left, viewers are speculating on possible storylines that could honor the character’s journey and provide a fitting exit.
Here are eight theories on how Yellowstone might handle John Dutton’s absence in the final episodes.
1. John Dies of Natural Causes
One of the simplest and most straightforward options would be for John Dutton to die of natural causes. Given his age and the high-stress life he leads, a sudden heart attack or stroke would be realistic and could occur offscreen. This approach would make sense as it allows the show to focus on the aftermath rather than showing the character’s final moments. With this option, John’s legacy and memory would cast a long shadow over the remaining episodes, motivating his children to carry on the family name.
2. A Fatal Ranch Accident
An alternative to a natural death could be an accident on the ranch. John has spent a lifetime working the land, facing unpredictable hazards on a daily basis. A tragic accident would align with the show’s theme of the dangers and hardships of ranch life. In this scenario, John’s death would not only be poignant but could also bring the family together in their grief, creating a compelling and emotionally charged storyline for the final episodes.
3. John’s Death Is Staged to Protect Him
Given the Dutton family’s numerous enemies, another theory is that John’s “death” is staged to protect him from ongoing threats. After his stint as governor, John’s list of adversaries has grown, making it plausible that he might go into hiding. This approach would allow the character to be absent while still leaving open the possibility of a “resurrected” John in a potential spin-off or flashbacks. However, with the show ending, this theory feels less likely, though it does align with the suspenseful tone of Yellowstone.
4. John Goes on a Personal Quest or Retreat
John might choose to remove himself from the family drama altogether, going on a personal retreat or quest for peace. After decades of hardship and responsibility, John might decide that it’s time for self-reflection or even retirement, leaving the ranch and political scene behind. This would give him an offscreen exit, with the story able to explain his absence as a journey toward personal fulfillment or spiritual healing. Although less dramatic, this scenario could emphasize the internal struggle John faces, making him a ghostly presence throughout the final episodes.
5. A Violent End at the Hands of Rivals
Yellowstone has always had an undercurrent of violence and betrayal, and John’s enemies would love nothing more than to see him gone. One of the most intense possibilities is that John becomes a casualty of the ongoing conflicts over the ranch. Powerful developers, rival politicians, or even Jamie, his adopted son, could be involved in his downfall. This would provide a dramatic twist, driving the remaining characters to seek vengeance and possibly igniting an all-out war in the final season’s climax.
6. Jamie Executes a Coup
With Jamie (Wes Bentley) vying for power, a darker theory is that Jamie orchestrates his own father’s demise. The first part of Season 5 already showed Jamie taking steps to undermine John’s authority, even pushing for his impeachment. If Jamie were to go further, possibly with Beth discovering his involvement, it would add a potent twist to the Dutton family drama. Jamie’s move could serve as the ultimate betrayal and set up an intense battle between siblings, forcing Beth and Kayce to step up and defend the family legacy.
7. John Enters Witness Protection
Another theory involves John being forced into witness protection due to threats against his life. This could come as a result of his position as governor or his conflicts with corporate and political adversaries. Witness protection would explain his sudden absence, while leaving the door open for future appearances in flashbacks or spin-offs. John’s exit this way would also put the burden of ranch leadership on his children, adding depth to the story of family resilience in the face of loss.
8. John Becomes a Symbolic Figure in the Fight for the Ranch
Lastly, John might not be killed or removed, but could be sidelined as a more symbolic figure. In this scenario, he might fall ill or be incapacitated, placing him on the sidelines while Beth, Kayce, and the others fight to defend the ranch. His absence would be felt strongly, adding a layer of emotional tension as the family grapples with maintaining the Dutton legacy without his guidance. This option would make John a symbolic force, embodying the struggle for tradition in the modern world, and allowing his character’s influence to resonate without physical presence.
Why John’s Exit Matters for Yellowstone’s Final Story Arc
Each of these theories brings unique implications for the final episodes of Yellowstone. John’s departure, in whatever form it takes, will undoubtedly shift the power dynamics within the Dutton family. For example, if John were to die in a tragic accident or due to natural causes, the Dutton family’s grief would likely bring them together, leading to a powerful finale focused on legacy and reconciliation. However, if John were forced into hiding or witness protection, his absence would signal that even the strongest patriarch cannot protect everything.
The remaining episodes will likely focus on the family’s response to John’s absence, whether through seeking revenge, struggling to maintain the ranch, or coming to terms with the inevitable end of their dynasty. Sheridan has a knack for creating twists, so fans should be prepared for an unexpected or layered farewell.
Looking Forward: The Legacy of John Dutton and Yellowstone
Yellowstone has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing audiences with its intricate character relationships and depiction of a family striving to protect its legacy. John Dutton’s departure from the series marks a critical moment, not only for the storyline but for fans who have followed his journey from the beginning. John Dutton III’s character is not just the heart of the Dutton family but the embodiment of the land, heritage, and grit that defines the American West.
As the show wraps up, how Yellowstone chooses to handle John’s exit will shape its legacy. Fans will be watching closely to see how Taylor Sheridan balances honoring the character with delivering a memorable conclusion to this gripping modern Western. Whether through death, disappearance, or an unexpected twist, John’s absence will leave a lasting impact, reminding viewers of the fierce loyalty and sacrifices that built the Yellowstone Ranch.
Ultimately, Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 promises to be a final chapter filled with high stakes, emotional depth, and, hopefully, a conclusion worthy of John Dutton’s complex character. Fans are eager to see how the remaining Duttons rise to the occasion and if they can honor John’s legacy in the face of overwhelming challenges.
