Is Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone Creator, Trying to Damage John Dutton, Kevin Costner’s Character?
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2.
Ever since it was confirmed that Kevin Costner would not return as John Dutton in the latter half of Yellowstone Season 5, fans have been left heartbroken. But behind the scenes, it seems Costner’s departure may have caused more than just disappointment—it may have sparked tension with the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan.
Recent episodes suggest that the iconic legacy of John Dutton, once powerfully built by Costner, is now being dismantled piece by piece. Costner cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for his exit, and he hinted at legal action over his departure. Meanwhile, Sheridan—who has been the sole writer for this season—appears to be reshaping the narrative in ways that some viewers interpret as undermining the character’s legacy.
The tone of the season has shifted, and early episodes have raised eyebrows. Dutton’s shocking death was unsettling enough, but what made it even more jarring was how it was portrayed: a gunshot to the head, in a location disturbingly close to a bathroom. While the plot later reveals it to be part of Sarah’s sinister plan, many fans were left grappling with the initial impression—that the strong, stoic Dutton may have taken his own life.
Things take a more controversial turn when it’s revealed that Summer, previously shown to be under house arrest and living at the ranch as a result, was never actually confined at all. A casual shot of legal documents lying on a table exposes that she was, in fact, free—making it appear that John Dutton had essentially held her there against her will.
Then, in a particularly pointed scene from a recent episode, Sarah and Jamie discuss the bruising on Dutton’s body. As they speculate whether it was a murder, Sarah quips: “The marks on his body… He could have gotten those when he fell to the floor. He was a 68-year-old man. He could have fallen in the tub, for all we know.” Lines like this are being interpreted by some fans as subtle jabs aimed at Costner himself.
With Sheridan firmly in control of the script and Costner now absent from the show, many are questioning whether the character of John Dutton is being intentionally diminished. Whether these choices are deliberate or simply a product of narrative adaptation remains unclear.
One thing is certain: Yellowstone has taken a bold and controversial turn, and only future episodes will reveal how the show ultimately handles the complex legacy of John Dutton.
