Kevin Costner Warns ‘Yellowstone’ May Struggle Without His Input, Report Suggests

Can Yellowstone Thrive Without Kevin Costner? Report Claims He Doubts It

Despite his departure from Yellowstone, Kevin Costner is reportedly skeptical about the series’ future without his involvement. According to a recent Life & Style report, Costner remains closely following the show’s various spin-offs and believes the franchise might falter without his contribution. Costner, who won a Golden Globe for his role as John Dutton, left the series amid reported tensions with creator Taylor Sheridan. His exit was to focus on his film series, Horizon: An American Saga, but the underwhelming performance of the first film has left him feeling somewhat vindictive.

An insider shared with Life & Style, “Kevin is well aware that Sheridan and others might be enjoying the poor reception of Horizon, which has only intensified his resentment. He’d find quiet satisfaction in seeing the show struggle without his influence, as he views Yellowstone as his own creation, not theirs.”

The Yellowstone franchise has expanded with three prequels—1883, 1923, and the upcoming 1944—as well as a new series starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, and Patrick J. Adams, tentatively titled The Madison. However, Costner doubts the series’ long-term success without him, with a source stating, “Kevin believes the show’s creators are floundering without his input. He feels that, without his expertise—even in a consulting role—the show won’t succeed.”

In a recent Sirius XM interview on The Spotlight with Jessica Shaw, Costner was asked if he had reconsidered his departure from Yellowstone or spoken with Sheridan. “I’m still passionate about the show,” Costner said. “I’d love to return if it fits into my life like it did before. If not, I’m satisfied with what I accomplished. Would I come back? Yes, but it has to align with my life circumstances.”

Costner also acknowledged that despite the rumored discord, he and Sheridan have had discussions about a possible return. “We’ve talked about what it would take to make it work. I’ve expressed my honest feelings, which is my usual approach,” he added.