Yellowstone’s Uncertain Future: Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan’s Conflict
Fans of Yellowstone were shocked to learn that the hit series would end after the second half of season five. Initially set to debut in fall 2023, the second half has faced significant delays, now scheduled to air on November 10, 2024.
The delay has been attributed to various issues, including the global pandemic, the strikes of 2023, and ongoing conflicts between the show’s star, Kevin Costner, and its creator, Taylor Sheridan.
Kevin Costner vs. Taylor Sheridan
Kevin Costner, who plays the lead role of John Dutton III, announced his departure from Yellowstone in May 2023, right before the show’s cancellation was confirmed.
Costner has cited multiple reasons for his exit, including dissatisfaction with the production schedule and his commitment to his passion project, the “Horizon” film series. Sheridan, however, has pointed to Costner’s focus on the “Horizon” films as a key reason for the Yellowstone delays.
Costner co-wrote, directed, and stars in the “Horizon” saga, a series of neo-Western movies he has been developing since 1988.
The first installment, “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1,” is set to be released in June 2024, followed by “Chapter 2” in August. Costner has emphasized that his involvement in “Horizon” did not cause the delays in Yellowstone production, and he has suggested that Sheridan’s numerous spin-offs are the real culprit.
The Blame Game
In September 2023, Costner discussed his Yellowstone exit, suggesting he might need to go to court over the issue. He claimed the season was not split to accommodate his “Horizon” filming and that he was willing to work within his available time.
However, he asserted that Sheridan failed to deliver the scripts needed to complete the season.
“The scripts never came,” Costner said in an interview with GQ. He expressed disappointment that neither Paramount nor the production company defended his position, instead allowing rumors that he was unwilling to commit to more filming time to spread.
Sheridan has a different perspective. In a Hollywood Reporter profile, Sheridan blamed Costner’s focus on “Horizon” for the delays, but insiders suggested that the real issue was Sheridan’s busy schedule with other projects. One source noted, “How can you schedule something when there are no scripts? [Sheridan’s] doing eight other shows.
” This aligns with Costner’s claim that the multiple spin-offs, such as “1883,” “1923,” “1944,” and “2024,” have taken precedence over Yellowstone.
Costner’s Future and Possible Return
Despite the turmoil, Costner has indicated he might be open to returning to Yellowstone. In an interview with Empire, he said, “I think it’s possible…
I would love to come back and do it, but it really depends.” However, his primary focus remains on his “Horizon” films, where he has invested significant personal resources. Costner told GQ that he has “about $38 million” of his own money invested in the project.
Footage of “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” shown at CinemaCon 2024 was well-received, suggesting that Costner may have a hit on his hands.
Whether the Yellowstone scripts will be ready after the first two “Horizon” movies have had their box office runs remains uncertain.
With the new air date set for November 2024, it’s unlikely that fans will see much of John Dutton III in the upcoming episodes.
Conclusion
The conflict between Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan has cast a shadow over the future of Yellowstone. While the series’ end is confirmed, the reasons behind the delays and Costner’s departure remain contested.
As fans await the final episodes, the possibility of Costner’s return and the impact of Sheridan’s expanding Yellowstone universe continue to be topics of speculation.
For now, Costner’s focus will be on his “Horizon” films, with the hope that the Yellowstone saga can find a satisfying conclusion.
