Kevin Costner Had a Different Ending in Mind for ‘Yellowstone’
When John Dutton died off-screen in the second half of Yellowstone’s final season, few were as surprised as Kevin Costner himself. In candid interviews, Costner revealed he envisioned a different departure altogether—one that honored the emotional weight of his character and closed the story with more gravity. Let’s unravel what he had planned, why the original ending fell apart, and what it all means for fans.
Costner’s Original Vision for John Dutton’s Farewell
Costner told Entertainment Tonight and GQ he “very rarely got the scripts on time”, and that the delayed installments forced him to recalibrate his role. He admitted he “had my own fantasy how it might be,” sharing ideas with Taylor Sheridan—but ultimately, the final call rested with the creator
Why the Ending Changed: Scheduling and Script Issues
Costner revealed that delays from COVID, strikes, and late scripts undermined the original filming plan. He said, “The scripts never came… they still haven’t shot it.” His own project—Horizon: An American Saga—overlapped, leading to contract disputes and his eventual exit
Costner Offered to Film a Proper Death Scene
Despite missing episodes, Costner offered the team one week of shooting to craft a meaningful send-off. According to him, “I said, ‘If you want to kill me… I have a week before I start. I’ll do what you want to do.'” But he never heard back
The Show’s Sudden Narrative Pivot
With Costner gone, the script pivoted dramatically. Michael Smerconish on SiriusXM revealed that Costner had no idea John would die by gunshot in the governor’s mansion—learning about it only when it aired
Taylor Sheridan’s Response
Sheridan later disclosed that John’s death was planned from the start—but was “truncated” due to Costner’s departure. “It truncates the closure of his character,” Sheridan lamented
Costner’s Frustration with the Narrative Shift
In interviews with Deadline and People, Costner expressed disappointment. He felt reports mischaracterized his role, saying the network never defended his commitment. Still, he left the door open: “If the writing is there, I will be there too.”
What Costner Wanted Instead
Though he never revealed full details, Costner hinted his version would have offered deeper dignity to John Dutton. He suggested post-season interviews that perhaps the entire family might face repercussions—jail, justice, or a more thoughtful paying-of-debt
Fan Reactions and the Fallout
Reddit erupted with criticism. Fans called the abrupt death “disservice,” “disrespectful,” and lamented the lack of closure. Many speculate cost-effective storytelling and Costner’s exit hurt the narrative’s emotional core
Could Costner Return in a Spin-Off?
Yes. Costner has emphasized he’d return “if I agreed with how it was being done.” He specifically said he’d consider returning to finish the mythology of John Dutton—even in spin-offs or flashbacks
Yellowstone’s Future Without Its Patriarch
With Matthew McConaughey rumored for The Madison and Kelly Reilly or Cole Hauser potentially carrying the torch, Yellowstone’s future lives on—just without its original king
Costner’s Takeaway: Love for the World, Disappointment in the Process
He still stands by the show he loved, praising its capturing of modern ranch life. But he’s hurt by how his departure was handled. “That’s really fucking bothered me,” he admitted .
What the Ending Could’ve Been
Fans imagine that John Dutton might have handed leadership down gracefully, facing justice, or retiring to the horizon. Reddit speculation suggests even supernatural prophetic elements (like Tate’s inheritance) were teased as alternatives
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s off-screen exit forced a sudden rewrite—a sudden death that robbed John Dutton of the closure he and the fans deserved. Costner’s vision pointed toward a more substantial and dignified farewell, but production realities, fan rage, and creative conflicts cut the ride short. Yet, as he said: “If the writing’s there, I’ll be there.” That leaves room—for legacy, for redemption, and perhaps, for a comeback.
FAQs
1. Did Costner want John Dutton to die differently?
Yes. Costner admitted he had a more meaningful, dignified ending in mind and even offered to film it.
2. Why did Costner leave Yellowstone?
Production delays, late scripts, and conflicts with his film Horizon led to contract issues and his departure
3. Was his final scene ever filmed?
No. Costner says he never filmed Season 5 Part B because scripts didn’t arrive in time
4. Could Costner return?
Yes—he’s said he’d return if he agrees with the writing and schedule, even via a spin-off or flashbacks .
5. What did Taylor Sheridan say about Costner’s exit?
Sheridan said John’s death was planned, but acknowledged Costner’s exit “truncated the closure” of his character
