Kevin Costner will not return as John Dutton III in the final episodes of Yellowstone, but a new update regarding season 5, part 2 is encouraging.
Even though Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone is disappointing, one update concerning the upcoming final episodes indicates that the show could still go out with a bang. The neo-Western drama series, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, premiered in June 2018 and, almost six years later, is now one of the most popular shows on television. Unfortunately, the story of John Dutton III and the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is coming to an end when Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premieres in late 2024. Although Costner as Dutton won’t appear, the final episodes could still satisfy audiences regarding the ending.
In early 2023, reports claimed that Costner wouldn’t return to give closure to his character in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Rumors about behind-the-scenes Yellowstone drama between Costner and Sheridan (regarding Costner’s availability) ran rampant as the cause of the actor’s departure from the series. Despite the disagreement over Costner’s need for a reduced schedule, some other reports have risen, revealing that Costner is trying to negotiate a return to Yellowstone to give John Dutton III a happy ending. Nevertheless, Costner’s return seems unlikely, meaning that the cast and crew will likely have to make do without him.
Yellowstone Season 5’s Increased Episode Count Is Necessary Now
Previous reports indicated that Yellowstone season 5, part 2 would consist of only six episodes, but a new (and exciting) update reveals that the final season will contain at least 10. During an interview with Deadline, Josh Lucas, who plays Young John Dutton III in the neo-Western drama, briefly mentioned the episode count for season 5, part 2. The actor said, “I think we’re going to do 10 or more so episodes.” Lucas also mentioned that “as far as he knows” he will reprise his role as the younger version of Kevin Costner’s character in the second part of the last season.
The bigger episode count should ease fans’ displeasure at having to wait so long for Yellowstone season 5, part 2.
Lucas’ comments indicate that Yellowstone season 5, part 2 could easily contain more than 10 episodes, which would be surprising following the show’s delays and behind-the-scenes drama. However, it’s also a good sign regarding the upcoming season’s quality. Taylor Sheridan and the other writers have had to contend with Costner’s exit one way or another, and to figure out a way to write John Dutton III out of Yellowstone while still delivering a satisfying ending to fans would be difficult to do in only six episodes. The increased episode count was necessary for Sheridan to wrap up every story nicely.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Being Longer Will Make Up For All The Delays
As many know, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 has taken a while to come out. The first part’s finale aired on January 1, 2023, and the rest of the Paramount Network neo-Western drama’s final season is set to premiere almost two years later. Delays related to the strikes in Hollywood undoubtedly pushed its release date back, but the drama surrounding Kevin Costner’s exit also impeded production on the last set of episodes. Nevertheless, the bigger episode count should ease fans’ displeasure at having to wait so long for Yellowstone season 5, part 2.
Taylor Sheridan and the other writers have likely been hard at work since the writers’ strike ended to craft a conclusion satisfying those who have watched Yellowstone since season 1. The increased episode count proves that Sheridan is committed to bestowing the popular television show and its beloved characters extraordinary endings by giving them a little breathing room to develop thoughtfully. So, the wait for season 5, part 2 will hopefully have been worth it when the upcoming episodes debut (especially since the writers had a lot of time to conjure up the perfect ending).
The Potential Problem With Yellowstone Season 5’s Longer Episode Count
While the elongated episode count for season 5, part 2 is exciting, there is a degree of concern lingering over the news. If the second part of the fifth season includes more than 10 episodes, that would be the first time Yellowstone has ever produced that high a number of episodes. Of course, season 5 was poised to contain more than 10 installments since the Paramount Network split it into two parts, with the first part including eight episodes. However, the Yellowstone cast and crew didn’t film both halves back-to-back, so the bigger episode count for season 5, part 2 is worrying.
Many theorize that Kevin Costner’s character will be killed off-screen during the premiere of Yellowstone season 5, part 2.
Yellowstone season 1 contained nine episodes, and seasons 2, 3, and 4 had 10. Meanwhile, season 5 is set to feature 18 or more episodes altogether. Sheridan has never written a season that long before, as most of his shows linger around the eight to 10 episode quantity. It’s unclear if the Yellowstone showrunner is capable of writing a season that long, but the upcoming second part of season 5 will be his test. Hopefully, Sheridan sticks the landing and can craft 10 or more intriguing and entertaining episodes that nicely wrap up the neo-Western drama series.
How Will Yellowstone End?
There are several ways for Yellowstone to end, and many have been thoroughly discussed among fans since Paramount confirmed Kevin Costner’s departure from the show. Of course, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 must address numerous questions that have yet to be answered, like which Dutton family member will take over the Yellowstone Ranch and how the conflict between Beth and Jamie Dutton will conclude. But now that John Dutton III is unlikely to appear in the last episodes, the story’s ending has undoubtedly changed.
Many theorize that Kevin Costner’s character will be killed off-screen during the premiere of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, while others think he could simply leave Montana. Or now that Josh Lucas has confirmed he will return as Young John Dutton III, perhaps the character’s story will end in the past. However, John isn’t the only significant character in Yellowstone, and by the time the series finale of the neo-Western drama television show rolls around, each Dutton family member should have closure.