A Completely Different Idea Kevin Costner Had for Yellowstone’s Ending
“Yellowstone” wrapped up with a divisive fifth season, and former leading man Kevin Costner has been open about how he believes the story should have concluded. Costner’s character, John Dutton, was abruptly written out in the Season 5B premiere, following reports of tension between the actor and series creator Taylor Sheridan. When the show finally returned after its long hiatus, the drama was turned up to eleven — but the ending left many viewers split.
By the finale, the Yellowstone ranch had been sold, John Dutton was dead, and most of the Dutton family escaped serious consequences, with the notable exception of Jamie (played by Wes Bentley). According to Costner, however, the conclusion missed an opportunity for a far more fitting resolution.
While praising the series for its depiction of modern ranch life, Costner also described “Yellowstone” as leaning heavily into soap opera territory. Reflecting on the Duttons’ many crimes and moral transgressions, he bluntly suggested a different ending altogether: “We should all be in prison.”
It’s hard to argue that the Dutton family didn’t earn that fate. Over the course of the series, they committed numerous violent and unethical acts — including disposing of bodies at their infamous dumping ground, known as “the Train Station.” In a more grounded drama, the family likely would have faced legal consequences. But it’s precisely the show’s soap-like excess that helped fuel its popularity.
Costner’s comments also come in the context of his well-documented fallout with Sheridan and Paramount. During production delays, the actor focused on filming his passion project, “Horizon: An American Saga,” after becoming frustrated by the lack of a clear shooting schedule. Meanwhile, the show’s creative team faced setbacks due to industry-wide strikes. Ultimately, Costner exited the series under strained circumstances.
Given that history, his remarks may read as a subtle dig at the show. Despite its cinematic look and prestige branding, “Yellowstone” often relied on heightened melodrama and shock value — a criticism echoed by Sam Elliott, who starred in the prequel “1883” and once compared the flagship series to the classic soap “Dallas.”
Although “Yellowstone” has come to an end, its universe is far from finished. Fans are now looking ahead to a new spinoff led by Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, which recently added Annette Bening to its cast. Another spinoff, “Y: Marshals,” starring Luke Grimes, is set to debut on CBS in March 2026, while Michelle Pfeiffer will headline “The Madison,” a present-day offshoot tied to the original timeline. Whether these new entries will continue the franchise’s soapy tradition remains to be seen.
