Who Might Take Over Kevin Costner’s Role in the ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff Starring Beth and Rip?
Taylor Sheridan’s upcoming Yellowstone spinoff is shaping up to be quite different from what fans initially expected.
According to a recent report from Matthew Belloni at Puck, the new series, which will focus on Kelly Reilly’s Beth and Cole Hauser’s Rip, is actively searching for someone to step into Kevin Costner’s iconic role as John Dutton.
Costner left the show before Season 5, Part 2, citing production delays that interfered with his other projects—most notably his passion project, Horizon: An American Saga. When the second half of Season 5 finally aired on Paramount Network after nearly two years, fans were shocked and disappointed to see John Dutton killed off just minutes into the premiere. But the Yellowstone Ranch isn’t truly the same without John Dutton leading it. If the character returns, it’s likely to be in a limited capacity, such as flashbacks.
Replacing Costner won’t be easy—after all, he helped turn Yellowstone into a massive hit. Still, this role is a coveted opportunity in Hollywood, and many actors could be in the running to fill those boots.
So, who might take on the challenge? Here are some of our top picks:
Josh Lucas
A natural contender is Josh Lucas, who appeared as a younger John Dutton in several episodes. The Sweet Home Alabama actor brought a fresh interpretation to the character, distinct from Costner’s portrayal. Lucas and Costner were reportedly kept apart during filming to keep their performances unique, which paid off. His memorable work even sparked fan interest in a spinoff focused on John’s younger days.
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell is another strong candidate. With a solid history in Westerns such as The Hateful Eight, Tombstone, and Guns of Diablo, Russell fits the rugged, tough archetype of John Dutton perfectly. He was also rumored to be considered for Taylor Sheridan’s other upcoming series, The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, showing that Sheridan clearly respects his talent.
Bruce Greenwood
Bruce Greenwood is no stranger to Western dramas either. He starred in Meek’s Cutoff (2011), playing Stephen Meek, a leader guiding settlers through the Oregon desert in 1845. The film explores tension and survival, highlighting Greenwood’s skill in delivering intense, dramatic performances—a quality that could translate well to Yellowstone’s tone.
Bill Pullman
Finally, Bill Pullman is another worthy choice. Close in age to Costner, Pullman has a respectable Western resume with films like The Ballad of Lefty Brown, Wyatt Earp, and The Virginian under his belt. Known for his grounded and steady presence on screen, Pullman could bring back the rugged, authentic feel that Costner made famous.
