The Dutton ranch is alive and well, even without its patriarch. Production on the final batch of episodes of “Yellowstone” began in Montana on May 20. While Kevin Costner, who has played John Dutton since the series’ premiere, confirmed he won’t be returning, the rest of the cast is thrilled to be back on familiar turf.
On May 23, Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, kicked off the cast’s posts about the new season by sharing a stunning photo of a rainbow over a mountain range. Reflecting on being back in Montana, Hauser wrote, “Good morning #montana I’ve missed ya old friend! If you are going to rise, you might as well shine.”
Ryan Bingham, who plays Walker, a ranch hand on the Dutton property, has also been active on social media. Since production on the final half of season 5 began, Bingham has posted several photos and videos. On June 17, he shared a video driving through rural roads, captioning it, “Snow is falling in June. @yellowstone #Montana.” He also posted a selfie with co-star Jen Landon, as they posed in the back seat of a truck with Jake Ream. “Back on the Stone,” Bingham captioned the selfie, while Landon added, “Summer Roadtrip ✨.”
Landon also shared a promo clip announcing the premiere date of the final episodes – Sunday, November 10. She wrote alongside the video, “See you November 10th, baby. Let’s get to work. 🔥🐎🤘.” Ian Bohen, who plays ranch hand Ryan, posted the same clip, urging fans to “Clear your calendar. Grab your tissues. Send the youngins off to your sister’s house. It’s gonna get real western around here.”
In an earlier post from June 14, Bohen gave fans a sneak peek at some of the tricks they can expect from Yellowstone’s final installment. He expertly maneuvered a horse, captioning the video, “That flag ain’t got no chance cause I got dancin’ boots when I’m on the ranch now check out this steed and boy watch him prance.”
In April, before the announcement that production had begun on season 5 and before Costner confirmed he wouldn’t return, Hauser told PEOPLE he was “excited to go back to work” after an extended hiatus from filming. “It’s been a year and a half. I’m excited to see my castmates,” Hauser said. He admitted he was particularly “excited” to see Kelly Riley, who plays his wife, Beth Dutton, and work with her again. He was eager to “just get back up in Montana and go to work.”
Kevin Costner’s departure from “Yellowstone” has been a significant topic of discussion. Costner announced his exit in a social media video, stating he wouldn’t be able to continue with Season 5B or into the future. He expressed his love for the series and acknowledged how it had changed him. “I loved it and I know you loved it, and I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning,” he said. “I’ll see you at the movies.”
Costner’s exit has been rumored for some time. In February 2023, Deadline reported that he only wanted to spend a single week shooting the final episodes, though Costner later disputed this account. Recently, he has been focused on “Horizon: An American Saga,” a Western epic in four parts, with the first set to open in theaters on June 28.
A Paramount Network spokesperson acknowledged Costner’s significant contribution to “Yellowstone” and expressed regret that they couldn’t find a suitable window to continue working together. “We respect that Kevin has prioritized his new film series, and we wish him the best,” the spokesperson said.
Despite Costner’s absence, the rest of the “Yellowstone” cast remains enthusiastic about the final episodes. Cole Hauser, Ryan Bingham, Jen Landon, and more have been sharing glimpses of the Dutton family ranch, keeping fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
“Yellowstone” returns Sunday, November 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Paramount Network.
