“Kevin Costner’s Presence Looms Large in New Yellowstone Trailer, Despite His Departure”
A new trailer for Yellowstone was released on Tuesday morning, blending old and new footage from the cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences. However, the mix of clips left many fans confused about what was actually new.
Adding to the intrigue was the frequent presence of Kevin Costner, who departed the series earlier this year and hasn’t filmed any new scenes for the remaining episodes of season five. In a voiceover, Costner’s character, John Dutton, states, “Everyone’s forgotten who runs this valley. Time to remind them.”
The second half of season five is set to premiere on November 10, following a lengthy wait as fans seek answers about the Dutton family’s fate. Despite Costner’s exit from Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western series, the upcoming episodes will still feature his character through previously recorded footage.
What’s fresh in the trailer? Viewers see Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) urging Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) to make a move against their father, declaring, “Old lions die in the jaws of younger lions. And you are the younger lion.”
This trailer follows the release of five photos that tease the upcoming episodes, coinciding with the announcement of a surprise sixth season. Earlier this month, a teaser was shared, opening with Costner’s character, James Dutton, stating, “Legacy. You build something worth having. Someone’s gonna try to take it.”
In the trailer, Costner briefly appears on a ranch and by a fire, alongside other characters like Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), and Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton). Hauser’s Rip proclaims, “What I’m doing isn’t for the ranch. It’s for us.”
The clips showcase a range of dramatic moments, from night horse rides to an FBI raid. Bentley’s character is seen disposing of evidence, while a heated exchange occurs between Beth and Jamie’s girlfriend, culminating in Beth’s fierce remark, “Unlike you, I keep my promises.”
The second half of season five arrives two years after the first part aired from November 2022 to January 2023. Despite Costner’s fleeting appearances in the latest trailer, he confirmed his exit from the Paramount+ series in June. In a social media message, he expressed his love for the show and his decision to step away, stating, “I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5b or into the future.”
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Costner emphasized that leaving wasn’t difficult for him, stating, “It was a necessary decision.” He noted, “I gave this thing five seasons. I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So, let’s just take that drama away.”
Speculation around Costner’s departure included disputes over pay and scheduling conflicts with his film Horizon: An American Saga. He expressed gratitude towards fans, saying, “The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”
