The Yellowstone universe has been one of the most captivating and dramatic series on television, captivating viewers with its family conflicts, gritty Western landscapes, and intense power struggles. But now, with the release of Yellowstone season 5B, there’s a major shift that fans are still grappling with: Kevin Costner is no longer part of the series.
The actor, who made the character of John Dutton iconic, decided to leave the show after season 5’s eighth episode aired in January 2023. His departure, combined with the rumors of the show ending, has led to massive speculation. And to make things even more interesting, Kevin Costner has recently made some pretty wild comments about his exit and the show’s future.
If you’re wondering about Yellowstone’s direction now that Costner is gone, how his departure affects the plot, and what this means for the future of the show, keep reading. We’re diving into all the major points surrounding Costner’s exit, the shocking developments in season 5B, and what could come next for the Duttons.
Kevin Costner’s Shocking Comments on His Exit
When Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, was killed off in the second half of Yellowstone season 5, fans were left wondering what this meant for the series. While the announcement of his departure was made months prior, the actual moment of John Dutton’s death still felt like a gut punch. What makes this even more interesting is Costner’s recent candid comments about his exit.
During an appearance on The Michael Smerconish Program on November 11, 2024, Costner admitted that he didn’t even know that Yellowstone season 5B had premiered the night before. In his words, “I’m going to be perfectly honest. I didn’t know it was actually airing last night. I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one.’”
Despite the fact that he didn’t tune into the premiere, Costner mentioned that he had heard about his character’s death, which was reportedly a suicide. Unsurprisingly, he didn’t feel compelled to rush to watch his own demise unfold on screen. “I heard it’s a suicide, so that doesn’t make me want to rush to go see it,” he said.
While Costner may not have been thrilled to watch his character’s end, he had nothing but respect for the show’s writers. “They’re pretty smart people,” he said. “Maybe it’s a red herring. Who knows? They’re very good. And they’ll figure that out.”
Why Kevin Costner Left Yellowstone
So why did Kevin Costner decide to leave Yellowstone in the first place? The actor, who helped create the Dutton family saga, revealed that his departure was not motivated by any personal drama or ill feelings toward the show or its cast. Instead, he attributed his exit to a combination of factors, including creative differences with showrunner Taylor Sheridan and the delays caused by the writer’s strike.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter earlier in 2024, Costner explained that the delays in writing and filming took a toll on his ability to stay invested in the series. “I gave this thing five seasons,” he said. “I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So, let’s just take that drama away, let’s take the guessing [away]. The fans have been way too good to me.”
Costner also mentioned that he was ready to focus on other creative projects, like his Horizon movie franchise. “My obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to [fans].” It seems like Costner’s heart is still very much focused on producing meaningful work, but Yellowstone was no longer the right fit for his vision.
What Does John Dutton’s Death Mean for Yellowstone?
The death of John Dutton in the second half of Yellowstone season 5 has left fans speculating about what comes next for the show. The impact of John’s death is felt immediately in the storyline, with Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Kayce (Luke Grimes) discovering his lifeless body in the bathroom. This marks a major turning point for the Dutton family, as the power struggle between Beth, Jamie, and the rest of the family intensifies.
Beth, in particular, is now faced with the loss of her father, and her feelings of betrayal and grief seem to push her to the edge. Fans of the show know that Beth has never been one to shy away from conflict, and her already complex relationship with Jamie becomes even more complicated as she suspects foul play in John’s death. Could Jamie be responsible for his father’s death? The tension in the Dutton family has never been higher.
Meanwhile, Kayce, who has always had a more quiet, reflective nature compared to his siblings, may now be forced into a more prominent leadership role. His journey, along with Monica’s (Kelsey Asbille), will undoubtedly continue to play a major part in the unfolding drama.
Is This the End of Yellowstone?
The question on everyone’s mind: Is Yellowstone ending with season 5? While reports initially suggested that the series would wrap up with this season, new reports have confirmed that there may still be hope for a continuation. Negotiations are reportedly underway for a potential season 6, which would likely focus on Beth and Rip (Cole Hauser) and their journey after John’s death.
Kelly Reilly has teased that Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone, had already given her a preview of how the show will end. “I read the last episode the day before we started filming,” she shared. It’s clear that the ending, whenever it comes, will be profound, as Reilly noted that the finale is “a perfect ending for the show for every character.”
In the meantime, the drama in the second half of season 5 continues to escalate, and fans will have to wait and see how it all plays out. Whether Yellowstone ends with a bang or continues into a season 6, the Dutton family saga is far from over.
What’s Next for Yellowstone Fans?
As Yellowstone continues its journey without Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, the show is exploring new avenues of conflict, family dynamics, and power struggles. Beth, Kayce, and the rest of the Duttons are dealing with major emotional and political turmoil, setting the stage for an intense and dramatic conclusion to season 5.
Additionally, for fans who are craving more Yellowstone-style drama, there’s Landman, a new series from Paramount+ that promises to deliver similar Western vibes and family intrigue. If you’ve loved the epic struggles of the Dutton family, Landman could be your next binge.
With Yellowstone season 5B already in full swing, viewers are in for an explosive continuation of the saga. So, grab your cowboy boots and get ready for more drama, betrayal, and family feuds!
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone season 5 is one of the most significant shifts in the show’s history. While his departure marks the end of an era for the Dutton family, it also opens the door for new dynamics and thrilling developments. Although Costner himself hasn’t watched his character’s death on screen, it’s clear that he holds no ill will toward the show or its creators. Fans are left to wonder how Yellowstone will wrap up, with season 5B leading the way toward what might be a fitting conclusion — or the beginning of a new chapter.
