Insider reports indicate that we may have seen the last of John Dutton in Yellowstone. Here’s everything you need to know!
Since its premiere in 2018, Taylor Sheriden’s hit neo-Western drama Yellowstone has followed Costner’s character John Dutton as he battles to defend his Montana ranch. Taylor Sheridan’s hard-hitting drama has been one of the most-watched series ever.
However, the show has been irked by controversies over the last few months. It’s been a year of chaos and confusion for Yellowstone fans. A lot of drama happened between the series’ director Taylor Sheridan and lead star Kevin Costner. As a result, Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 which was slated to return in June 2023 but got delayed to November 2023.
However, the dual actors’ and writers’ strikes further delayed the production schedule. Finally, Paramount Network confirmed on Thursday, November 2, that season 5’s second half will premiere in November 2024. In a recent report, it was confirmed that filming for the final batch of episodes will commence in late spring 2024.
Part 1 of Yellowstone season 5 debuted last year, but part 2, the last set of episodes, has been clouded with controversies related to Costner’s participation. Rumours have it that Costner won’t appear in the last few episodes.
Is it true? or simply a rumour? Curious to know? Find out the truth below!
Is Kevin Costner Leaving Yellowstone?
It has been debated whether Kevin Costner will return for the final episodes of Yellowstone, and the answer appears to be no. A few days after the Yellowstone season 5 part 1 finale aired in January of this year, reports surfaced that there was trouble brewing behind the scenes.
The reports stated a growing rift over a number of issues between Costner and Taylor Sheridan. Costner announced earlier this year that he would be leaving the series after the fifth season and soon afterward, it was revealed that the show itself would be ending after the second half of the season.
So, while the news may be upsetting for fans, they will have to make peace with the fact that it is time to bid farewell to Costner.
What is the reason behind it?
Although there have been many rumours and speculation regarding the reason for Costner leaving the show, the real reason was a conflict between Costner and the production that supposedly included disagreements over the show’s creative direction and salary.
The main point of dispute appeared to be the schedule for filming Yellowstone. Now that season 5 had been divided in half, Costner’s long-term passion project, Horizon: An American Saga, would be impacted by the filming of part 2. Therefore, he made the decision to exit from the show.
Documents related to Costner’s divorce raised uncertainties regarding the future of his ongoing role in the show. In them, the actor wrote, “I will earn substantially less in 2023 than I did in 2022. This is because I am no longer under contract for ‘Yellowstone,’ the principal source of my income last year.” In a later hearing, Costner added, “I’ve been told it’s a little disappointing that [it’s] the #1 show on TV, I’m not participating.”
A lawsuit may even be on the horizon, with Kevin Costner recently stating that he will “probably go to court” over the show. A report by Puck stated that Costner’s Yellowstone contract includes a “moral death” clause, which gives general terms for the ways that John Dutton can and cannot be killed on the show.
Yet, there have been no official statements from Kevin Costner’s team or the production team regarding his involvement in the series’ concluding episodes.
Are there any spinoffs incoming?
As you are all already aware, the writers’ strike caused the second half to be pushed back one year, with its premiere scheduled for November 2024. Even though the original series will end with this, Yellowstone will continue to exist because of the numerous spinoffs of the franchise created by Taylor Sheridan.
In addition to the spinoffs that have already been released, such as 1883 and 1923, two new shows—a prequel called 1944 and a sequel called 2024—have been ordered. Stay tuned for more details!
