Yellowstone Took Major Steps to Keep Plot Secrets After Kevin Costner’s Departure

Is “Yellowstone” Coming to an End? The Answer Remains Uncertain

As of now, the future of “Yellowstone” is still up in the air. One thing is certain: Kevin Costner will not be returning for the second half of the fifth season. The actor’s controversial departure was fueled by his desire to focus on his “Horizon” films, a series of Westerns, the first of which unfortunately underperformed at the box office.

Originally, the series was set to conclude with the long-awaited part 2 of season 5. However, recent reports indicate that main cast members Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, who portray Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler respectively, could potentially lead a sixth season. This hinges on whether series creator Taylor Sheridan agrees to write the new episodes, which is a key condition for Reilly’s involvement. Negotiations are ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the upcoming season 5B, scheduled to premiere in November, will mark the end of “Yellowstone.”

The delays affecting the final episodes of season 5 stem not only from Costner’s exit but also from the Hollywood strikes of 2023. As a result, producers have taken extensive measures to keep the plot under wraps during filming.

Even the Cast Is in the Dark

In a recent promotional video for the second half of season 5, the stars of “Yellowstone” shared that the new episodes were filmed using redacted scripts, allowing actors to view only their own lines. This approach has led to genuine reactions during filming, leaving most of the cast unaware of how the story will unfold in what may be the series finale.

Kelsey Asbille, who plays Monica Dutton, described the shooting process as “very secretive.” Jen Landon, who portrays Teeter, added that the heavily redacted scripts posed unique challenges. Director Christina Voros remarked on the adaptability of the crew, noting that they had to adjust to a new method of working after seven years.

With speculation swirling around the troubled production of season 5B, it appears even the cast and crew are unsure of what to expect when the episodes finally air on Paramount Network on November 10, 2024. The biggest question remains how the writers will address Kevin Costner’s exit. Until then, everyone will have to wait and see what unfolds.