The question of Kevin Costner’s participation in Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is still up in the air, and though losing the face of the franchise could be upsetting for viewers, it could also be an opportunity to keep the franchise going, albeit in a new direction. Yellowstone is a Western drama series that is in the midst of its fifth and final season. The show follows the Duttons, a family of ranchers led by the patriarch, Kevin Costner’s John Dutton. Sixth generation cattle ranchers, the Duttons must face political corruption, murder, and old familial wounds.
Although Yellowstone season 5, part 1 premiered at the very start of 2023, the second part is still a long way off. Due to the SAG-AFTRA writer’s strike, which started in May 2023 and ended in November, Yellowstone’s writers have likely only just finished writing the final installment, and it is rumored that production won’t begin until early 2024. This delay in Yellowstone’s finale has led to a variety of questions about how the series will end, and more importantly, who will be there. Although Kevin Costner was firmly present in Yellowstone season 5, part 1, his participation in part 2 is definitely in question.
Reports Suggest Kevin Costner Won’t Be In Yellowstone’s Final Episodes
It has been up for debate whether Kevin Costner will return for the final episodes of Yellowstone, and at this point, it seems like the answer is no. In a recent episode of the podcast, “The Town,” Hollywood insider Matt Belloni spoke about Costner’s participation in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Belloni stated, “…the question is whether Costner is in those final episodes of this season of Yellowstone. And my understanding is that, as of now, he is not going to be in those episodes.” Though not a definite confirmation of Costner’s exit, it’s a strong hint that the actor is more likely to leave the show than to reappear.
The reason why Kevin Costner is likely to leave Yellowstone is because, allegedly, there have been major disputes between the actor and the Yellowstone showrunners. Though there seemed to be a variety of problems, including creative direction, one particular problem was the filming schedule of Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Apparently, making the show’s final installment was going to interfere with Costner’s passion project, Horizon: An American Saga. Throughout the year, more issues have come to light about Costner’s contract and payment, but either way, his problems with Yellowstone have clearly been enough to warrant his exit.
Yellowstone Season 5 Ending Without Kevin Costner Feels Wrong
Without a doubt, ending Yellowstone without Kevin Costner feels especially strange. Although Yellowstone is considered an ensemble series, Kevin Costner is very much the face of the show. His past work has brought audiences to Yellowstone, and has cemented the show’s neo-Western style. Plus, Costner’s role as John Dutton serves the same purpose in the narrative. Like Costner, Dutton is the glue that keeps the series together. He connects all the characters and is a common figure for people to either worship or hate. Losing Dutton as a result of Kevin Costner’s absence will hurt the show.
Kevin Costner has worked on several Western projects throughout his career including Wyatt Earp, Dances With Wolves, and Hatfields & McCoys.
Since the news of Costner’s exit broke, many have also wondered how Yellowstone would cope without the actor. There are many factors at play, including keeping audiences interested without Costner, and most importantly, how they will write him off. If Costner isn’t present for Yellowstone season 5, part 2, how will the show explain his absence? Many theories have been thrown around, from sending John Dutton away on a business trip to having him die, but no method feels exactly right. No matter what, Costner’s exit will be a hurdle that Yellowstone must jump over, and whether it is successful is very much up in the air.
Yellowstone Could Set Up Its Franchise Future In Its Lead’s Absence
Although Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone will be hard for the series, it does also open a door of opportunity for the franchise. Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is the last installment of the main show, but the franchise isn’t necessarily over. Yellowstone has spawned many spinoffs from 1883 to 1923, and apparently there are more on the way. With Kevin Costner out of the picture, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 could bring another character into John Dutton’s role, thereby keeping Yellowstone alive. By passing John’s torch, Yellowstone clears a path for itself to continue in another series with another main character.