After it was announced earlier this month that the fifth season would be the show’s last, “Yellowstone” star Kevin Costner is now refusing to return to finish shooting unless a major demand is met, according to Puck News.
Costner, who plays John Dutton, is insisting he gets a say in how his character is written off the show, the report said.
“Costner is pretty savvy, and he wants to prevent what Shonda Rhimes did to Patrick Dempsey, killing off the race car-driving Grey’s Anatomy star in an F-you car accident,” the report said. “So Sheridan may not be able to dispose of his Western-loving leading man via a kick from an angry horse.”
The first half of Season 5 wrapped up on Jan. 1. The second half still needs to be filmed.
Co-creator Taylor Sheridan and Costner have reportedly disagreed about the filming schedule for the show. Costner is currently filming a Western movie called “Horizon: An American Saga.” Paramount announced on May 5 that this current season of “Yellowstone” would be the last.
According to the report, Paramount made the cancelation announcement without providing Costner any sort of advance warning.
Show executives have suggested there is still anywhere from 30 days to 45 days left of shooting, the report said. Costner’s team has countered with a range from one week to three weeks, according to the report. The star still hasn’t agreed to return at all for the final episodes, Puck News reported.
The end of “Yellowstone” will be followed by a new spin-off, debuting in December, reportedly starring Matthew McConaughey.
Earlier this month, Costner’s representatives announced that he and his wife of nearly 19 years, Christine Baumgartner, are divorcing.
The drama also stars Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton, Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Dave Annable as Lee Dutton, Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler, Danny Huston as Dan Jenkins, Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater and Kelsey Asbille as Monica.