“Kevin Costner’s Horizon: Part 2 Offers More Promise After the Letdown of Yellowstone Season 5’s John Dutton III”
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 Offers Redemption After Yellowstone’s Disappointing John Dutton Ending
The premiere of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 comes just a few months after the Yellowstone series finale, giving fans a chance to move past the disappointment of John Dutton III’s unresolved fate in Yellowstone Season 5. Kevin Costner’s sudden departure from the neo-Western drama after Season 5, Part 1 left many viewers shocked and dissatisfied with the show’s ultimate handling of his character. In the wake of Costner’s exit, the actor wasn’t around to give John Dutton the resolution he needed, leaving a sense of unfinished business in the final episodes of Yellowstone. Though the show wrapped up its main storyline with Season 5, Part 2, the Yellowstone universe will live on through various spinoffs and prequels.
The reasons behind Costner’s departure are multifaceted, with one key factor being the demanding schedule of Yellowstone. The long filming hours conflicted with his desire to devote more time to his passion project, Horizon: An American Saga. Despite efforts to reconcile schedules, Costner ultimately decided to leave Yellowstone and focus on his Western film franchise, forcing the show’s creators to conclude the series without their leading man.
John Dutton’s Disappointing Fate Sparks Backlash
In Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2, John Dutton’s story came to a tragic and controversial end. The character, long considered the heart of the show, was said to have taken his own life in the middle of the night at the Governor’s mansion. While his family initially struggled to accept the official narrative, they eventually uncovered the truth: John was murdered by hired assassins working for Sarah Atwood, and his death was staged to look like suicide. Ultimately, it was Jamie who exposed the truth, revealing the assassination and leading to a somber burial for John beside his ancestors and son.
This abrupt and unsatisfying end to John Dutton’s character left many fans frustrated. After playing such a pivotal role in the series from the start, viewers felt that Costner’s character deserved a more fitting and impactful sendoff. Instead of receiving a powerful, emotional conclusion, John’s death became merely a plot device to drive the other characters’ struggles, particularly their battle to keep the ranch intact. As a result, fans were left yearning for a more meaningful and climactic ending.
A New Beginning with Horizon: An American Saga
While Yellowstone may have failed to deliver a satisfying resolution for John Dutton, Horizon: An American Saga offers Kevin Costner the opportunity to craft a complete and fulfilling story. The actor has spent over three decades developing his epic Western, determined to bring his vision to life. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 premiered in June 2024, and Chapter 2 is set for theatrical release soon. Following that, Costner plans two more installments, with Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 4 planned as the final chapter.
What makes Horizon: An American Saga so compelling is that it’s a project where Costner has complete creative control. Not only is he directing and co-writing the saga, but he is also starring as Hayes Ellison, the lead character. This means Costner can fully shape his character’s arc and ensure a satisfying and well-earned conclusion—something Yellowstone wasn’t able to provide for John Dutton.
However, with the future of the Horizon series uncertain, there’s no guarantee that Costner will get to close out the saga as he intends. For now, though, fans can take solace in the fact that Horizon: An American Saga promises a more personal and well-rounded journey for Costner’s character, which may prove to be the Western conclusion that was missing from Yellowstone.
