Kevin Costner’s departure from Yellowstone in the middle of its fifth season sent shockwaves through the show’s fanbase. Fans had grown to love Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton, the headstrong patriarch of the Dutton family, and many were left wondering what the future held for both the series and the actor. Now, as the final episodes of Yellowstone air, Costner has shared his thoughts on the show’s ending and his decision to move on.
In a candid interview with The Daily Mail, Costner opened up about his exit, his character’s shocking death, and the reasons behind his departure from one of the most popular shows on television. Despite the drama surrounding his exit, Costner seems ready to put the past behind him and focus on his next big project: his Horizon: An American Saga film series.
Kevin Costner’s Blunt Response to Yellowstone’s Final Season
When asked about Yellowstone’s finale and the decision to kill off his iconic character, John Dutton, Costner didn’t mince words. “I’m not thinking about it. I don’t think I’ve given it any thoughts. We’ll just let it go,” he told The Daily Mail. His response was somewhat dismissive, reflecting his desire to move forward and leave behind any lingering emotions from his time on the show.
Costner’s exit from Yellowstone in Season 5 was anything but ordinary. There were reports of a strained relationship between the actor and the show’s producers, particularly over filming schedules. Costner, who was busy working on his Horizon: An American Saga films, was reportedly unhappy with the way the production team handled his availability. Tensions grew, and eventually, Costner’s character was written out of the show, leading to John Dutton’s death on screen.
While Costner has remained tight-lipped about specifics, he did address the situation, saying he was dissatisfied with how things were handled. “I haven’t felt good about it the last year, with the way they’ve talked about it. It wasn’t truthful. So now I’m talking a little bit about what the real truth of it was,” he revealed in a previous interview.
Despite his feelings about how his time on Yellowstone ended, Costner has expressed that he is no longer dwelling on it. Instead, he’s choosing to focus on the future.
Kevin Costner’s Relationship with Yellowstone Co-Stars
When asked about his relationship with Yellowstone co-star Luke Grimes, who played his on-screen son Kayce Dutton, Costner was again evasive. Grimes had spoken about the impact of Costner’s exit, noting that Season 5 was “the easiest season we’ve filmed,” and that there was “a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.” Grimes admitted that Yellowstone’s atmosphere changed after Costner’s departure, but he also understood that it was “time” for Costner to move on.
Costner, however, didn’t engage in further discussion about his former co-stars or the shift in dynamics on set. “I don’t think I’ve given it any thoughts. We’ll just let it go,” he repeated, showing little interest in revisiting the past or addressing the changes that came after his exit.
The Future of Kevin Costner: Focused on Horizon: An American Saga
While Costner may be stepping away from Yellowstone, he’s far from slowing down in his career. The actor and filmmaker has turned his attention to his ambitious Horizon: An American Saga film series. Costner has been committed to this project for years, and despite some setbacks—such as the underperformance of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 at the box office—he is determined to continue with the franchise.
In fact, Costner has already filmed Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2, which debuted at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in September 2024. He’s also planning to release two more chapters of the saga, with Chapter 2 expected to hit theaters in 2025. “We need to hurry and not let the rock fall back downhill. I gotta go put my hands on it again and start to push it up,” Costner said, showing his determination to keep the project alive.
Despite the mixed reviews and box office struggles of Chapter 1, Costner remains confident in the Horizon franchise’s potential. “I don’t know how I’m going to make Three right now, but I’m going to make it,” he added.
Costner’s commitment to the Western genre is evident, as he continues to push forward with Horizon: An American Saga despite the challenges. While some fans may be disappointed by his exit from Yellowstone, Costner seems to be carving out a new path for himself in the world of film, one that reflects his passion for telling stories set in the American West.
The Controversial Decision to Kill Off John Dutton
The decision to kill off John Dutton in Yellowstone was controversial, to say the least. While fans of the show were devastated by the loss of one of the most iconic characters in recent television history, the move was a result of a larger conflict behind the scenes. As Costner focused more on his Horizon films, tensions with the Yellowstone production team grew.
Costner had previously voiced his frustration with the show’s producers over the scheduling conflicts, which ultimately led to his exit. He accused the Yellowstone team of “moving their gaps” in the filming schedule, forcing him to choose between completing Yellowstone and focusing on his film franchise. Ultimately, he chose the latter, which led to his character’s untimely demise.
However, the way Costner was written out of the show raised eyebrows. John Dutton’s death was handled in a way that left it unclear whether Costner had filmed the scenes, with a body double used for certain parts of the scene. This decision may have been made to accommodate Costner’s absence, but it also highlighted the tension between him and the Yellowstone team.
While Costner has publicly stated that he is ready to move on, it’s clear that his departure from the show left a mark on both the series and its fans. The show may have moved on without him, but for many, Yellowstone will always be associated with his portrayal of John Dutton.
Kevin Costner’s Plans for the Future: More Westerns and Big Plans Ahead
Despite the drama surrounding his exit from Yellowstone, Costner’s future is far from uncertain. He’s fully committed to expanding the Horizon: An American Saga franchise, with plans for Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. These films will continue to explore the American West, an area that Costner has long been passionate about.
As he looks to the future, Costner is determined to bring more Western stories to life on the big screen. His dedication to this genre is clear, and fans can expect more thrilling, dramatic stories set in the rugged landscapes of the American frontier.
Conclusion: Kevin Costner’s Legacy and the End of an Era on Yellowstone
Kevin Costner’s time on Yellowstone may have come to an end, but his legacy as John Dutton will live on in the hearts of fans. The actor’s decision to move on from the series was driven by his commitment to other projects, particularly his Horizon: An American Saga films. While the behind-the-scenes drama may have left some fans disappointed, it’s clear that Costner is focused on the future and ready to take on new challenges in the world of Western films.
While Costner may no longer be a part of Yellowstone, his passion for storytelling and his dedication to the Western genre will continue to shape his career for years to come.
