Kevin Costner Sets Terms for His Yellowstone Comeback

Regardless of how “Yellowstone” Season 5B concludes, it will serve as a significant turning point for the series. Even if a sixth season follows, the show is expected to undergo a substantial transformation. Reports suggest that Kevin Costner’s departure won’t alter the show’s intended ending, as creator Taylor Sheridan had envisioned a five-season arc and its conclusion before the pilot even aired. Many fans anticipate that the Dutton patriarch may meet a tragic fate, and with Costner stepping away, this speculation feels increasingly likely. However, Sheridan must ensure the character receives a respectful farewell, especially since Costner included a unique “moral death” clause in his contract.

As Part Two of Season 5 approaches, the storyline has already been determined. If John Dutton is indeed killed off, it could signal a missed opportunity for Costner to reprise his role in the future. Despite the ongoing disputes between the actor, the network, and Sheridan, Costner has expressed some willingness to return. He told Entertainment Tonight, “I’d like to be able to do it, but we haven’t been able to.” He added, “I thought I was going to make seven seasons, but right now we’re at five. I hope it works out, but they have a lot of different shows. Maybe it will circle back to me. If it does and I feel comfortable, I’d love to do it.”

For Costner to return as John Dutton, it seems essential that the network and Sheridan present him with a narrative that aligns with his comfort level. Given the current behind-the-scenes tensions, this scenario appears somewhat unlikely. When discussing his character’s potential fate, Costner remarked, “He needs to be proactive in what happens,” and shared that he has his own vision for how it might unfold, adding, “But that’s Taylor’s thing. I mentioned my thoughts to him a while back. We’ll just have to see.”