Kevin Costner Suggests He Might Return to Yellowstone

The hit Western Yellowstone has always kept a few secrets under wraps, and in recent months, fans have had to stay sharp as rumors about the show’s future shift weekly. In the latest development, Kevin Costner, who played a central role for the first four and a half seasons, hinted that while he confirmed he won’t be returning for season 5B in November, he hasn’t completely closed the door on the ranching drama.

In a conversation with ET, Costner referred to Yellowstone as “a wonderful part of my life,” adding, “Who knows? Some things have a way of circling back. I haven’t seen that dust trail coming toward me, but I’ve always been open to what I started. Five seasons was a lot for us to do, and I think that story is not finished.”

Costner suggested that the series could continue through the next generation, stating, “Make the story about them.” This implies that while he may not have immediate plans to reprise his role as John Dutton, there’s a possibility for his character to make an appearance down the line.

The journey has been tumultuous for fans hoping to see John Dutton return. Costner first announced his exit from the flagship series in spring 2023 amid swirling rumors of behind-the-scenes tensions and scheduling issues. It remained uncertain whether he would complete the second half of the fifth season or if viewers had seen the last of his character earlier in the season. The speculation dragged on for over a year, with fluctuating statements about his potential return before Costner officially exited the series via social media in June.

Despite his departure, Costner has maintained that he would be willing to return “under the right circumstances,” as he mentioned while promoting his film Horizon: An American Saga. This leaves the door open for the possibility of his return.

Costner isn’t the only source of uncertainty for Yellowstone fans. Recent reports have indicated that Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, who portray Beth and Rip, are in discussions about reviving the show for an unexpected sixth season. However, conflicting statements from the actors and their co-stars have only complicated the question of whether the upcoming episodes will indeed be the series’ last, as previously suggested.