By telling the story of the chaotic and cutthroat lives of the Dutton family, Yellowstone has become a cultural phenomenon. The family controls the infamous Yellowstone Ranch and often falls into conflict with various landowners and the Broken Rock reservation. After all, they own the largest ranch in Montana and are constantly working to maintain their land and to build more power and influence within the state.

The show was created by Taylor Sheridan and stars Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and more. It has been so successful that it spawned multiple spinoffs, including 1883, 1923, and several more upcoming shows. It serves as a major draw for Paramount’s streaming platform, Paramount+, and sets the platform apart from other streaming services. Yet, despite its success, the show depends on Costner’s involvement.

Kevin Costner’s Role in Yellowstone

While the show does have an ensemble cast, Costner’s John Dutton is generally the most central. As the patriarch of the Dutton family, his every decision influences the lives of both his children and the state at large. He owns the ranch, has well-established relationships with various groups in Montana, and serves as the show’s main character. During the show, he even manages to secure the Montana Governorship, giving him an unprecedented level of power. The entire Dutton family hinges on John’s reputation, and every Yellowstone spin-off so far has led directly to the story of John’s adventures as the patriarch.

Not only is Costner’s character important, but the actor is essential to the show’s success. Having starred in The Untouchables (1987), Waterworld (1995), and Dances with Wolves (1990), he was a major draw for critics and audiences when the show was first premiering. Costner’s presence set the show apart as more than just another neo-Western. Just as Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford helped to bring some additional attention to 1923, Costner brought legitimacy to Yellowstone. The show may still have drawn critical acclaim, but his presence certainly added some early respect to the show.

Yes, Kevin Costner Is Leaving Yellowstone

While John Dutton and Kevin Costner were essential to Yellowstone‘s success, they are no longer a part of its future. Kevin Costner is leaving Yellowstone, due to Costner’s inability to participate in the complete filming schedule for season 5, part 2. Reportedly, Costner wanted to spend only a single week filming the rest of the season, which did not suit Sheridan’s vision of the coming episodes. These were just early reports, however, as Costner’s lawyer, Marty Singer, insisted that any scheduling allegations were a complete lie. Costner later contradicted Singer, however, and insinuated that he needed to spend time working on his two-part Western epic, Horizon: An American Saga.

While a scheduling concern was a part of Costner’s exit, there were some reports about conflict on-set. Sheridan indicated that Costner was displeased about John Dutton’s development in Season 2, though the creator eventually admitted that Costner was right about John’s characterization in that season. Between financial challenges, scheduling issues, and on-set arguments, however, Costner found that his time in Yellowstone was no longer conducive to a worthwhile production. With that in mind, he elected to move on from the show.

Yellowstone Is Coming To an End

• Because of Costner’s exit, Yellowstone will need to end.

It’s difficult to imagine Yellowstone continuing without Costner, given how important John Dutton is to the story. Without the Dutton family patriarch, the narrative has to completely shift. Jamie’s rivalry with Beth can continue to play a massive role — and may influence John’s ending — but the overall story needs John’s involvement. As the Governor, he is naturally essential to the story. Ignoring that and failing to feature John would be a jarring change for a show that was built around Costner’s character.

With Costner leaving the show, Yellowstone will be coming to an abrupt ending. The show will be ending with Season 5, part 2, which may be somewhat longer than expected. In a short filming update, Ian Bohen, who plays Ryan, explained that the cast expects to resume filming sometime in May, though that is still a rumor among the cast. He expects the second half of season 5 to begin in November or December, though the release date is likely to vary, depending on scheduling issues and post-production work. Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce, indicated that the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes delayed the production substantially, but it is finally back on track.

Losing Costner also likely completely changed the show’s ending. Because Sheridan may not have much, if any, access to Costner during the final episode’s production cycle, it may be difficult to appropriately depict John Dutton’s ending. The other characters may still have opportunities to shine, as their actors will still be involved in the show’s development. For John, however, his ending may feel either abrupt or disappointing. There is still a chance to make an effective conclusion for him, but Costner would likely need to appear for it. Thankfully, there is still a chance for Costner to return for Season 5, Part 2.

Kevin Costner’s Exit May Have Been Premature

• Costner has indicated that he wants to return to Yellowstone.

While Costner has already agreed to leave Yellowstone before Season 5, part 2, his decision may have been premature. Some reports indicate that Costner wants to return for the final episodes. He would likely only be returning for a cameo, but even that may be unlikely. Unfortunately, the scripts have already been completed, which could make his decision moot. Sheridan can still choose to bring him back, but it is unlikely that he will be completely retooling the season, if necessary, to include a mere cameo.

If Costner wants to return for a more central role, that is most likely impossible. He may have more time available to him with Horizon just a few months from completion — as the second half of the project will premiere on August 16 — but that does not mean that the Yellowstone screenwriters have time to include him. At best, Costner’s appearance could come in the form of a cameo.

Even then, it would be surprising, given how often Costner has come into conflict with Sheridan and Paramount since leaving the show. Costner threatened to sue the Yellowstone producers over a salary dispute after leaving the show. He believes that he was offered an insulting number for season 6 and that he was not being given the $12 million salary for Season 5, part 2 that he believes he is contractually obligated to receive. There has been no word about this potential lawsuit since Costner’s initial comments in September 2023. Regardless, Sheridan is unlikely to offer too many favors, given that both sides have conflicted with Costner’s exit. His time with Yellowstone is at an end, and any further appearances will require massive compromise from both parties. In all likelihood, John Dutton’s story will come to an end soon.