Kevin Costner Slams Yellowstone in Unexpected Jibe
Kevin Costner has delivered a surprising jab at Yellowstone, the hit series he left acrimoniously last year amid rumors of a fallout with creator Taylor Sheridan. Costner, who began portraying patriarch John Dutton in 2018, remarked that the characters “all should be in prison.”
“It’s modern-day ranching. Yellowstone captured that beautifully, but it’s kind of like a soap opera,” the 70-year-old actor told the outlet.
“I mean, we all should be in prison,” he added, likely referring to the numerous killings on the show. Costner’s character John was shockingly killed off in a murder-for-hire plot during the premiere of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2—a death many fans interpreted as a final “F you” from Sheridan amid their rumored dispute.
Speaking about the show’s finale, the Oscar winner said, “I’m not thinking about [the Yellowstone finale]. I don’t think I’ve given it any thought. We’ll just let it go.”
Rumors about Costner’s departure began circulating in 2023, fueled by whispers of tension between the actor and series creator Taylor Sheridan. Costner’s attorney Marty Singer denied claims that Costner refused to film more than one week of Season 5, Part 2.
“The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of Season 5 of Yellowstone is an absolute lie,” Singer said last summer. “It’s ridiculous—and anyone suggesting it shouldn’t be believed for one second.”
Costner’s filming schedule conflicted with his plans to direct his first film in two decades, Horizon, the first installment in a planned four-part Western series. In June 2024, Costner confirmed via Instagram that he would not appear in Season 5, Part 2.
“I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all that’s required, and thinking about Yellowstone—that beloved series that I love and know you love—I just realized I won’t be able to continue with Season 5B or beyond,” Costner said. “It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be returning, and I love the relationship we’ve developed. I’ll see you at the movies.”
Costner’s “soap opera” comment echoed previous remarks by director Quentin Tarantino, who also dismissed the show as little more than a “soap opera,” comments that did not sit well with many fans.
