“Kevin Costner’s Unique Contract Clause for John Dutton in Yellowstone”

Hollywood has a storied history of bizarre and extraordinary contract stipulations. On the unusual side, Jack Nicholson negotiated an impressive back-end deal for his role as “The Joker” in 1989’s “Batman,” allowing him time off to attend Lakers games while securing top billing over Michael Keaton. On a wilder note, comedian Andy Kaufman agreed to a recurring role on “Taxi” only if his alter ego, Tony Clifton, could appear in an episode.

On a different note, director Rian Johnson claimed in 2020 that Apple prohibits the use of its products by villains in films and TV shows, although the company has never confirmed this. Their guidelines state that Apple products must be depicted positively.

In a similar vein, Kevin Costner is now seen as the “iPhone” of actors. He reportedly included a unique clause in his “Yellowstone” contract that limits how his character, John Dutton, can be portrayed—specifically to ensure Dutton is shown in a favorable light.

Kevin Costner’s “Moral Death” Clause for Yellowstone

“Yellowstone” has faced its share of controversies recently. After a successful run, the series hit a snag during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, leading to Costner’s departure. His reasons for leaving were complex, with Costner wanting time to focus on his “Horizon” film series, while series creator Taylor Sheridan cited Costner’s commitments as a reason for delays in the show’s second half.

Amidst this turmoil, Costner hinted that he might pursue legal action over his exit and expressed concerns about Sheridan’s workload across various “Yellowstone” spin-offs. This leaves uncertainty around how Sheridan will write out Dutton, especially since Costner remains dedicated to his “Horizon” project, despite its lackluster box office performance.

If John Dutton is to be killed off, it appears Costner’s exit will be handled with care. According to a 2023 report from Puck News, he secured a “moral death” clause during a contract renegotiation, which outlines acceptable and unacceptable ways for Dutton to meet his end.

What is a “Moral Death” Clause?

Puck News reported that Costner’s “moral death” provision prevents any deaths that could bring shame or embarrassment to John Dutton—or by extension, to Costner and his family. This sort of clause is relatively uncommon. For instance, Jamie Lee Curtis once mentioned that “Halloween: H20” had a stipulation against killing off Michael Myers, but that was a studio mandate rather than an actor’s request.

While “No Lose” clauses for action stars are not unheard of—ensuring they never lose fights on-screen—moral death clauses are less frequently seen. Talent lawyers consulted by Puck admitted they had never encountered such a provision before, highlighting its uniqueness in the industry.

Will Yellowstone Honor Costner’s Clause?

Interestingly, Costner’s earlier comment about possibly needing to “go to court” regarding his “Yellowstone” exit likely relates more to the negotiations surrounding his return than any breach of the moral death stipulation. Reports suggest he sought the right to review and potentially veto scripts, a demand that Paramount found excessive.

How Sheridan will ultimately write John Dutton out of the series remains to be seen, especially with rumors that Costner’s character might not meet a dignified end. The future of “Yellowstone” is uncertain, with key cast members Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser discussing the potential for a sixth season without Costner.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, Sheridan and Paramount are moving forward with several “Yellowstone” spin-offs, including a new series titled “The Madison,” featuring Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer. This will come after the highly anticipated release of “Yellowstone” Season 5B on November 10, 2024. With tight measures in place to prevent leaks about the plot following Costner’s exit, even the cast remains in the dark about how the season will conclude. Fans will have to wait and see if John Dutton’s departure is treated with the respect it deserves or if it takes a more outrageous turn.