How the Original Yellowstone Plan Convinced Kevin Costner to Join — Before It Changed

Yellowstone’s Original Plan That Convinced Kevin Costner — Before Everything Changed

Between 2018 and 2024, Yellowstone became one of the biggest and most successful serialized dramas on television. However, this wasn’t the show Kevin Costner originally signed on for. The series was initially pitched to him as a limited-run project with a much narrower focus on the story of the Dutton family.

Costner, who would go on to lead Yellowstone throughout nearly all five seasons, believed he was committing to a one-year TV project. But the show quickly expanded beyond those plans, evolving into a multi-season drama that captivated millions of viewers. The success of Yellowstone also led to two prequel series and additional spinoffs, creating a whole new TV universe.

Many of the show’s standout episodes might never have existed if co-creator and writer Taylor Sheridan had stuck to his original limited series concept. Ultimately, Yellowstone transformed into a very different show from the one Costner agreed to join back in 2017.

Yellowstone Was First Described to Costner as a “Long Movie”

Kevin Costner recalls how Yellowstone was initially described to him. Taylor Sheridan’s vision resonated strongly with the legendary actor-director, aligning well with Costner’s own storytelling style. Costner explained:

“When it was first pitched to me by Taylor, it was one season and [like] a long movie, which [is] speaking my language… but ultimately, I think what happened was the studio didn’t want that. And because he’s such a prolific writer, he said, ‘I can do that. I can make a series that goes on.’”

Costner’s own Western films tend to be sprawling, epic tales that take their time unfolding with a blend of grace and grit. It’s easy to see why he was drawn to Sheridan’s idea of a slow-burning limited series about the Dutton ranch. If it had been entirely up to Costner, Yellowstone likely would have remained a limited series regardless of studio preferences. However, Sheridan probably had little room to argue with executives after being rejected by HBO when he first pitched the project.

Costner Was Open to More Than One Season

Ultimately, things turned out better than Sheridan could have imagined when pitching Yellowstone to various studios and asking Costner to lead. The show’s 53 episodes have cemented it as one of the most successful neo-Westerns ever made, spawning an expansive TV franchise.

As Costner hinted, Sheridan’s incredible writing pace allowed him to craft numerous episodes and seasons with ease. Sheridan didn’t seem overly attached to the idea of a limited series anyway. By the time Costner finished playing John Dutton, the role had become one of the most iconic in his acting career.

Despite the expansion, Yellowstone kept the cinematic visual style Sheridan envisioned from the start. Costner was also enthusiastic about continuing the story, saying he “stepped up” and agreed to do three seasons. In the end, he stayed on for five.

How Different Would Yellowstone Have Been as a Limited Series?

To imagine what Yellowstone might have looked like as a limited series, we can look at similar Western-themed shows with shorter runs. Sheridan himself produced several limited series that share the tone and setting.

For example, the Yellowstone prequel 1883 chronicles the Dutton family’s journey to Montana 140 years before the main series. In just 10 episodes, this beautifully shot drama starring Sam Elliott covers a sweeping storyline with a clear conclusion.

Similarly, the eight-episode Lawmen: Bass Reeves, produced by Sheridan, offers a fresh take on life in the American South during the late 1800s, focusing on a real historical figure. This miniseries approach gives insight into how Yellowstone’s story could have been told more compactly.

Why Kevin Costner Left Yellowstone Midway Through Season 5

Despite initially planning for only three seasons, Costner was willing to stay on as John Dutton through Yellowstone’s fifth season. However, a lengthy 14-month production break between parts of the season ultimately led to his departure and the death of his character.

Costner explained:

“There was a moment where that show for me stopped for 14 months… That’s the fact. I could have done a lot of things in that time, but I wasn’t aware that was going to happen.”

The extended delay would have prevented Costner from pursuing other projects had he waited for filming to resume. His exit was announced in May 2023, forcing the series to navigate its final episodes without its central figure.

While Yellowstone was likely due to conclude, Costner’s departure wasn’t exactly as either he or Sheridan envisioned. Still, the actor has expressed interest in returning to the role of John Dutton if the show is ever revived.