Kevin Costner’s Shocking Exit: Why He Left ‘Yellowstone’ After 5 Seasons as the Lead

After lengthy discussions, he announced in June 2024 that he would be leaving the series to focus on a special project he has been working on for some time.

Yellowstone, the popular Western series, features Kevin Costner as John Dutton, a determined rancher defending his Montana land from outside threats. Since its 2018 debut, Costner has starred in 53 episodes, becoming the show’s core figure. However, in a surprising move, he decided to leave after the first half of season 5, the series’ final season, for several reasons.

In anticipation of Yellowstone season 5B’s return on November 10, 2024, Kevin Costner was asked about his character John Dutton’s presence, given his limited appearance in the trailer. He responded, “His presence is integral. I think to say any more than that would potentially compromise all the work that went into redacting the scripts!”

Laughing, he added that people are curious about Dutton’s role because he is “the patriarch” and “an essential component to the story.” He emphasized that John Dutton remains central to the plot.

Though Yellowstone co-creator and writer Taylor Sheridan usually keeps scripts tightly guarded, some believe the increased secrecy around season 5B could stem from multiple factors. Director Christina Voros was asked if this was due to Costner’s exit, the final season status of 5B, or the show’s rising popularity, which has raised fan expectations.

Though Yellowstone co-creator and writer Taylor Sheridan usually keeps scripts tightly guarded, some believe the increased secrecy around season 5B could stem from multiple factors. Director Christina Voros was asked if this was due to Costner’s exit, the final season status of 5B, or the show’s rising popularity, which has raised fan expectations.

Though Yellowstone co-creator and writer Taylor Sheridan usually keeps scripts tightly guarded, some believe the increased secrecy around season 5B could stem from multiple factors. Director Christina Voros was asked if this was due to Costner’s exit, the final season status of 5B, or the show’s rising popularity, which has raised fan expectations.

The director added, “The cast this year, after seven years of filming, has deeply grown into these roles, bringing their performances to a whole new level.” She explained that the actors, who know their characters as well as Sheridan does, have poured years of work into developing these roles. Voros concluded, “The performances this year are just exceptional.”

Regarding Costner’s departure, reports suggest scheduling conflicts played a significant role. Originally, Costner committed to 65 days of filming for Yellowstone, but later aimed to reduce his time to 50 days for season 5. For the season’s second half, he reportedly intended to film for only one week due to obligations to another project.

By February 2023, Costner had begun directing and starring in his multi-part Western film series, Horizon: An American Saga, which he co-wrote with Jon Baird. The series was acquired by New Line and Warner Bros. Pictures.

Costner’s continued role as John Dutton, while simultaneously working on his personal project, Horizon: An American Saga, reportedly frustrated Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, leading to morale issues among the cast.

In 2023, sources revealed that Paramount Network rejected Costner’s proposal, choosing to pursue a different direction for Yellowstone. There were hints at a potential franchise extension, with Matthew McConaughey possibly taking over as the new lead, and reports suggest that McConaughey is currently in negotiations.

When asked in May 2024 about his position with Yellowstone amidst his other commitments, Costner admitted, “Well, I haven’t felt good about it the last year, what with the way they’ve talked about it. It wasn’t truthful.”

Costner explained that his original contract with Yellowstone covered five to seven seasons, but a renegotiated deal in February 2024 only covered seasons 5A and 5B, with a potential season six. However, he noted, “They weren’t able to make those.” He added that Horizon was planned around Yellowstone‘s schedule, with Yellowstone taking priority, but as Yellowstone kept shifting its filming schedule, it caused complications.

Before Horizon premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Costner expressed his excitement about presenting the film there.

“I’m so thrilled to be going there,” Costner said, referring to the Cannes Film Festival. He added, “And listen, I don’t want to get down in the gutter with the Yellowstone thing, but what I’m telling you is straight up.” While not naming names, he expressed dissatisfaction with certain Yellowstone colleagues.

He emphasized, “But if you know me well enough, I made Yellowstone the first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong. I did not initiate any of those things. They did. They were doing a tap dance, and this poor guy was also having to write so much.”

Costner mentioned that he didn’t understand why the Yellowstone team didn’t defend him, but he chose not to focus on it, opting instead to promote his film. He observed, “They’ve been pretty slick about keeping their hands off; nobody was ever on the record.”

He also explained that he didn’t shoot season 5B because there was no script. Costner revealed that he even left his film project to accommodate Yellowstone’s schedule for 5B, only to discover that the first eight episodes were incomplete, requiring an additional four days of filming to finish.

Costner explained, “I left early to give them what they needed to have a complete eight, and I felt bad that the audience didn’t get 10. They didn’t have the scripts for anything else.” He continued, “So, what you read in the end was that I said, ‘Well, look, I’m doing my movie. If you want me to work a week because you want to kill me or whatever else, I can give you a week.'”

While Costner didn’t have an extra week to spare, he was willing to compromise. However, his words were misinterpreted, leading to claims that he “only wanted to work a week.”

In June 2024, Costner announced his departure from Yellowstone in an Instagram video. Reflecting on his year and a half working on Horizon, he shared that he realized he wouldn’t be able to continue with Season 5B or future seasons. While he expressed his love for the show and its fans, he confirmed, “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning, and I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”

The announcement was met with backlash from some fans. One fan expressed, “That’s super disappointing 😢😢,” while another commented, “Welp, thanks for failing all of us.” A third fan added, “You let Yellowstone fans down.”

Other disappointed fans criticized his decision, with one saying, “You should have at least finished YS. Bad form, so disappointing.” Another wrote, “Shame on you,” and a final fan declared, “Bad decision, man!”

Sheridan also shared his thoughts on Costner’s departure. He stated, “My opinion of Kevin as an actor hasn’t altered,” while praising Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton as powerful and symbolic.

Sheridan explained that although he and Costner could usually resolve issues through conversation, legal involvement had disrupted their communication, leading to misunderstandings. He also pointed out that media reactions seemed to shift the blame for the situation.

Sheridan commended Costner, saying, “He took a lot of this on the chin, and I don’t know that anyone deserves it.” He acknowledged that Costner appeared to prioritize his film project, Horizon, over Yellowstone, which contributed to the tension between the two.

Without expressing ill will, Sheridan said, “I sure hope [the movie is] worth it — and that it’s a good one.” However, he also admitted his disappointment, noting, “It truncates the closure of his character. It doesn’t alter it, but it truncates it.”

When asked if confirming his departure was difficult, Costner replied, “It wasn’t tough.” He explained that moving forward was important to him, and he chose not to dwell on the past.

Costner reiterated that he had dedicated five seasons to Yellowstone and enjoyed his role. However, to avoid drama, end the speculation, and honor his fans, he felt it was his responsibility “to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”

Now focused on his independent film series, Costner premiered Horizon: Chapter 1 in theaters in June 2024, with Chapter 2 debuting at the Venice Film Festival in September. Two additional chapters are planned, and while Costner has already begun work on Chapter 3, reports suggest that he needs additional funding to complete the project.

The star spent 35 years trying to bring his four-part saga to life, marking a significant milestone in his career.