“Kevin Costner’s Absence in Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Was Part of Taylor Sheridan’s Vision, Reveals Star”
Yellowstone Star Kelly Reilly Reveals Kevin Costner’s Absence Was Always Part of Taylor Sheridan’s Plan
In a recent interview, Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton on Yellowstone, disclosed that creator Taylor Sheridan always intended for Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, to be absent from the show’s final episodes of Season 5, Part 2. Since its debut in 2018, the hit Paramount Network neo-Western has followed Costner’s character as he navigates the challenges of protecting his Montana ranch. Following various delays and reports of behind-the-scenes conflicts, which led to Costner’s decision not to return, the series is now preparing to conclude.
Reilly shared her insights with Entertainment Weekly, revealing that Sheridan’s vision for the end of the series was set as early as Season 1. She stated, “The absence was part of the ending. That’s not something that we had to pivot; that was already written into the tapestry of the story. It was always going to happen, it just happened a little bit differently.”
Implications of Sheridan’s Plan for the Show and John Dutton
Sheridan’s long-term plan for John Dutton’s absence could bode well for the concluding episodes of Yellowstone. As the showrunner since its inception, Sheridan’s consistent direction has contributed to the series’ immense popularity. If his vision includes a conclusion without John, the show might still achieve a satisfying ending.
However, Reilly did not clarify the specifics of how and when John Dutton was meant to exit the story. It’s possible that Sheridan initially envisioned John’s death towards the end of the series, intending to deliver a more impactful moment than what may now transpire. If John does die, it might occur off-screen, lacking the emotional resonance that such a pivotal character arc deserves.
Reflections on John Dutton’s Ending
While conflicts behind the scenes may have altered the way the series concludes for Costner’s character, John Dutton has been integral to the narrative across all five seasons. Should his story end with an off-screen death, it risks diminishing the emotional weight of that moment for the audience.
On a positive note, the preservation of Sheridan’s broader storyline suggests that characters like Beth, Rip (Cole Hauser), Jamie (Wes Bentley), and Kayce (Luke Grimes) may receive fulfilling conclusions. Although the fate of Yellowstone remains uncertain—whether it will return for a Season 6 or conclude with Season 5—it’s clear that Sheridan has been meticulously planning the Dutton saga’s resolution for quite some time.
