Taylor Sheridan’s western drama Yellowstone, which first premiered in 2018 on the Paramount Network, became a massive hit with audiences. Starring veteran Kevin Costner in the lead, the show was praised for Sheridan’s sharp writing, which elevated the narrative and gave it emotional heft.
But following differences of opinion between Costner and his director over the past year, it was officially announced that Yellowstone will end its reign after part 2 of season 5 premiers in November 2024, and more significantly without its lead actor, who publicly confirmed that he would not be part of it. Now, reports suggest that the Waterworld star’s co-actors don’t seem to be supporting the celebrity after his feud with Sheridan in a possible effort to protect their interests.
Kevin Costner Is Allegedly Not Receiving Much Support From Yellowstone Co-Stars
Yellowstone became an instant hit with critics and fans not only for Taylor Sheridan’s competent storytelling skills but also for his lead actor Kevin Costner’s charismatic performance. Over 4 seasons and part 1 of season 5, the veteran’s portrayal of ranch owner John Dutton hit front and center with audiences.
Unfortunately, this dream collaboration between Costner and Sheridan was marred by a few controversies and differences of opinion that cropped up between the two celebrities, which saw The Bodyguard actor officially ending his association with the show. This meant that he would not be in part two of season 5, which airs in November 2024. The actor confirmed this in a post on his Instagram handle.
This is a big blow for the show, which will end its campaign permanently after season 5, as Costner’s protagonist is the main cog in the wheel. But if a report in Radar Online is to be believed, it seems that the actor’s is allegedly being snubbed by his co-stars in the show following his exit. According to a source, this could be a self-preservative tactic by the cast who are still in the series to protect their interests with Sheridan.
They play nice and exchange pleasantries, but he’s not getting the support he would have expected. Don’t want to get in trouble, so they iced him out.
While we can continue to speculate on the veracity of these allegations, the fact remains that Costner is the face of the series, and his exit will definitely leave a huge void as the show attempts to cover all its bases in the finale.
Kevin Costner’s Horizon Gets Audience Vote Despite A Low Critics Score
While all the news surrounding Kevin Costner is centered around his exit from Yellowstone, the actor has moved on to concentrate on his next big project. Costner’s latest western drama Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 which he has written, produced, directed, and starred in, premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, and has officially hit the theaters on June 28th, 2024.
Based on the American Civil War and the expansion of the American West, the movie also has an impressive ensemble cast that includes Sienna Miller and Sam Worthington, among others. The drama, which is the first installment in a 4 part film series taken on by Costner, unfortunately does not seem to have impressed critics in its initial release in Cannes.
Based on the current Rotten Tomatoes rating after 79 published reviews, the movie has earned a disappointing 39% score. But a day since its release across the US, the film seems to be facing a very different fate with audiences. Based on over 250 reviews thus far, the film has gained 72% votes, which is a very strong number for an opening weekend.
This project is extremely close to Costner’s heart not just for the fact that he is literally a one-man show who has put his efforts behind every aspect of the filmmaking process, but also because he has put his money in it too. In an interview with Deadline, the star revealed that the story meant so much to him that he was willing to sacrifice anything to get it developed.
I’ve mortgaged 10 acres on the water in Santa Barbara where I was going to build my last house. I did it without a thought. It has thrown my accountant into a f*cking conniption fit. But it’s my life, and I believe in the idea and the story.
Costner’s dedication and commitment to work and his belief that this narrative would touch a chord with audiences is looking to come to fruition despite a low critics score at the moment. It now remains to be seen if the film continues its successful opening weekend.
All seasons of Yellowstone can be streamed on Peacock.