Former Yellowstone star Kevin Costner elaborates on his decision to exit the hit Paramount Network series. Created by Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone first aired in 2018, quickly developing a passionate audience as it chronicles the life of ranch owner John Dutton (Costner).
After months of reports of behind-the-scenes drama and some mixed messaging, Costner recently officially confirmed that he won’t be returning as the Dutton family patriarch for Yellowstone season 5 part 2, the show’s final outing.
In a recent interview with THR, Costner further explains his decision to exit Yellowstone. According to the actor, he was ready for the speculation regarding his potential return to come to an end. Check out Costner’s comment below when asked if it was a tough decision:
“It wasn’t tough. It was a necessary decision to say, ‘Hey, OK, I don’t want to really talk about this anymore. It’s time to move on.’
“I gave this thing five seasons. 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. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”
How Will Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Wrap Up John Dutton’s Story?
How Kevin Costner’s Exit Will Affect The Show
The Yellowstone season 5 part 1 ending leaves the conflict between John and Jamie (Wes Bentley) unresolved. The season 5 part 1 episodes feature Jamie attempting to remove his father from office as governor, setting him on a collision course with Beth (Kelly Reilly), as well.
By season 5 part 1’s end, both Jamie and Beth seem willing to take the other out through more permanent means, setting up a fiery confrontation in part 2.
Unfortunately, Costner’s exit from the Yellowstone cast means John’s story will somehow have to be wrapped up off-screen. Costner reportedly has a moral death clause in his contract, meaning John won’t be meeting his end in any kind of shameful way in part 2.
This clause doesn’t, however, prevent John from being killed off. If John does bite the bullet, audiences can rest assured it will be an honorable exit.
No matter how John’s Yellowstone story is wrapped up, though, it’s likely to be an underwhelming finale for a character who has been the centerpiece of the show for the past 5 seasons.
Since it will be conveyed through dialogue or other means that don’t involve actually seeing the character, it could struggle to achieve the emotional resonance that it could otherwise have.
While Costner is evidently ready to leave Yellowstone behind after years of back-and-forth, there’s no doubt season 5 part 2 won’t be the same without him.
