As many know, Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III will be absent from Yellowstone season 5, part 2, but one wouldn’t be able to tell from the trailer alone. The Paramount Network neo-Western drama TV show created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson follows the Dutton family and their ranch that borders Broken Rock Indian Reservation and Yellowstone National Park in Montana. Costner’s John Dutton III has been the head of the family since Yellowstone season 1. However, his reign will come to an end when season 5, part 2 premieres in November 2024.
Following the ending of Yellowstone season 5, part 1, it was announced that Costner wouldn’t reprise his role as the Dutton family patriarch in part 2. Of course, this news was devastating and game-changing for the show. John is one of the most important characters in Yellowstone, and it’s unclear how the series will work without him. Well, the official trailer for Yellowstone season 5, part 2 suggests it doesn’t work without Costner’s John.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Trailer Prominently Features John Dutton III (Despite Kevin Costner’s Absence)
Kevin Costner Exited Yellowstone Ahead Of Season 5, Part 2
Even though Kevin Costner is not expected to reprise his role as John Dutton III in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, his character is frequently featured throughout its official trailer. The video begins with John’s voiceover — “Everyone’s forgotten who runs this valley. Time to remind them.” Then, the trailer teases how the Dutton family will maintain its legacy (presumably without John) and the infamous war between Beth and Jamie Dutton coming to a head. However, Costner is still consistently shown over the course of the almost one-and-a-half-minute trailer.
| Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Kelly Reilly | Beth Dutton |
| Wes Bentley | Jamie Dutton |
| Luke Grimes | Kayce Dutton |
| Cole Hauser | Rip Wheeler |
| Kelsey Asbille | Monica Long Dutton |
| Gil Birmingham | Chief Thomas Rainwater |
| Moses Brings Plenty | Mo |
| Forrie J. Smith | Lloyd Pierce |
| Wendy Moniz | Governor Lynelle Perry |
| Finn Little | Carter |
| Dawn Olivieri | Sarah Atwood |
| Jefferson White | Jimmy Hurdstrom |
| Brecken Merrill | Tate Dutton |
| Ian Bohen | Ryan |
| Denim Richards | Colby Mayfield |
| Ryan Bingham | Walker |
| Jennifer Landon | Teeter |
| Kathryn Kelly | Emily |
Beth asserts, “Our family legacy needs this ranch,” and Rip Wheeler responds, “Then, I’ll protect it with my life” in the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 trailer. Elsewhere, Sarah Atwood tells Jamie, “Old lions die in the jaws of younger lions, and you are the younger lion.” The video continues teasing the brewing conclusion of Beth and Jamie’s war (despite John commenting, “This war is just beginning”). The trailer also shows Kayce Dutton and Chief Thomas Rainwater becoming blood brothers and Rip and Lloyd Pierce setting fire to a car. Through it all, flashes of Costner’s John appear, revealing how much Yellowstone needs him.
Yellowstone Season 5’s Final Episodes Cannot Escape John Dutton III
John Dutton III Continues To Be The Face Of Yellowstone
Only six episodes remain in Yellowstone season 5, but it appears as if the neo-Western drama can’t even go that long without escaping Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III. The iconic character is an integral part of the TV series, after all. So, John’s excessive inclusion in the trailer is understandable, despite his absence in the final episodes. Costner is the face of Yellowstone, and it doesn’t seem like the Paramount show could work without him. At least, the trailer implies that the network doesn’t think it can.
By carrying on the Duttons’ reputation and sustaining the ranch, the other Yellowstone characters can honor John’s legacy and bring the show to a natural and satisfying conclusion without Costner’s presence.
Yellowstone will undoubtedly address John’s absence. Even with him gone, though, Costner’s character will continue to be a significant part of the story in Yellowstone season 5, part 2 (based on the trailer). The show simply cannot escape him, which makes one wonder how it can continue past the season 5, part 2 finale. There is only so much that the writers can do to incorporate John without his presence. Ultimately, only time will tell if Beth and the rest of the Duttons can move past John and (successfully) forge their own path without him.
How Yellowstone Season 5 Can Honor John Dutton III’s Legacy Without Kevin Costner
John’s Kids Can Carry On His Legacy
The good news is that Yellowstone season 5, part 2 has a lot to work with, even with Kevin Costner out of the picture. Maintaining the Dutton family’s legacy has always been a major component of the show. So, with John gone, his kids (especially Beth and her husband, Rip) will be more motivated than ever to protect the ranch from those who threaten it and their family. By carrying on the Duttons’ reputation and sustaining the ranch, the other Yellowstone characters can honor John’s legacy and bring the show to a natural and satisfying conclusion without Costner’s presence.
