“John Dutton Missing from First Images of Yellowstone Season 5 Finale”

The Dutton siblings take center stage in the first images from the final episodes of Yellowstone Season 5, with Kevin Costner’s rugged patriarch, John Dutton, conspicuously missing. As the show gears up for its return to the ranch in November, the spotlight shifts to other key characters.

In one image, power couple Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) stand prominently, while another photo features attorney general Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) holding a press conference alongside former governor Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz). Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille), and their son Tate (Brecken Merrill) appear to be recovering well from their recent car accident. Meanwhile, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and his right-hand man Mo Brings Plenty are seen gazing into the distance. The absence of John Dutton raises questions about how the final episodes will address his character, especially following Costner’s departure from the series. The teaser trailer for part 2 hints that John might become a casualty in the ongoing conflict between Beth and Jamie.

Costner announced in June that he would not continue with the rest of the season due to his commitments to the Horizon film franchise. He expressed his appreciation for the role and the relationships developed during his time on the show, noting it was simply time to move on.

Despite speculation about tension between Costner and creator Taylor Sheridan, Sheridan has stated that Costner’s exit was due to his film commitments rather than any discord.

Though Costner is leaving, the Dutton legacy continues with Sheridan expanding the Yellowstone universe through several spinoffs, including The Madison, which stars Michelle Pfeiffer as a matriarch who moves her family from New York to Montana.

Additionally, discussions are reportedly underway for a potential Season 6 of Yellowstone focused on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, with rumors suggesting they might also appear in The Madison.

The second half of Yellowstone Season 5 premieres on Paramount+ on November 10. Ahead of that, Paramount Network will broadcast a marathon of the series over Labor Day weekend, airing Seasons 1 through the first half of Season 5 from Friday, August 30, at 10 pm ET through Monday, September 2.