The update we all have been waiting for.
After months of back and forth about the status of Kevin Costner’s return or not return to Yellowstone, he finally informed fans of his decision. While season 5 was taking a break from filming, partially because of the writer’s strikes, Costner began working on his four-part film project, Horizon: An American Saga. As Costner began pouring his energy into this project, that left little bandwidth and availability for him to film the second half and series finale of the hit TV show Yellowstone.
While many fans were holding out hope that Taylor Sheridan, the rest of production, and Costner could reach an agreement, this week, while promoting his new film on The Howard Stern Show, Costner made it seem like that would not be the case.
“We talked one time, and we both said what was important to us. And it doesn’t seem like we can meet, given what’s important to us. It doesn’t feel like it.”
While he still did not give a solid answer as to what would happen with the show, this was the first time he gave an answer that wasn’t along the lines of him “maybe” coming back. And now we have our official answer.
Kevin Costner will not return to Yellowstone.
Taking to Instagram, he made an official announcement, regretfully informing fans that they will not see him at John Dutton for the series finale.
“Hi, everyone; I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on ‘Horizon’ and doing all of the things that’s required and thinking about ‘Yellowstone’—that beloved series that I love and that I know you love—I just realize that I am not going to be able to continue—season 5B or into the future.
It really changed me. I loved it, and I know you love it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning. I love the relationship that we have been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”
Filming for the second half of Season 5 resumed in May after the long break. Although they are over a month into filming, with Costner just now making this formal announcement, I wonder if that will change the trajectory of their filming schedule or the plot.
So long, John Dutton. Your character will be greatly missed on our TV screens. Yellowstone also announced the premiere date for the series finale this week.
Save the date: November 10. #YellowstoneTV pic.twitter.com/sM3yK0gDSx
— Yellowstone (@Yellowstone) June 20, 2024
