“Yellowstone” Cast Reveals Script Redactions to Safeguard Early Episodes Without Kevin Costner
Yellowstone Season 5 Return Shrouded in Secrecy, Cast Receives Redacted Scripts
The return of Yellowstone for its fifth season is cloaked in mystery, leaving even the cast in the dark about key plot points. In a recent video tease released by Paramount Network, the show’s stars revealed that scripts for the second half of the season were heavily redacted, allowing actors to see only their own lines. This approach has led to genuine reactions during filming, as the cast, currently shooting in Montana, prepares for the episodes set to air later this fall.
Kelsey Asbille, who plays Monica Dutton, emphasized the secrecy surrounding this season, sharing insights in the Paramount video alongside fellow cast members Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes, and Cole Hauser. The absence of Kevin Costner, who portrayed patriarch John Dutton, raises questions about how the show will address his character’s storyline, adding to the intrigue.
The back half of Season 5 is scheduled to premiere on November 10 at 8 p.m. on Paramount Network, with a two-hour encore on CBS.
Jen Landon, who plays Dutton ranch hand Teeter, explained that the redacted scripts were a new experience for the cast. “Everything is blacked out except for your lines,” she noted. Dawn Olivieri, portraying fixer Sarah Atwood, added, “I don’t know what she did, she doesn’t know what I did. We can’t tell each other.”
Director Christina Voros acknowledged the unique challenges this approach posed but emphasized that it was implemented to safeguard the storyline for the audience. Denim Richards, who plays ranch hand Colby, mentioned that the unscripted moments elicited authentic reactions from the actors.
The creative team hinted at “tons of surprises” for viewers, with Voros praising the cast’s performances as more moving than ever. “It has brought me to tears, and I think people are going to really, really love it,” Grimes said.
While the episode count remains unconfirmed, anticipation builds over how Yellowstone will navigate Costner’s departure following the midseason finale that aired in January 2023.
Reilly and Hauser, who portray fan favorites Beth and Rip, are reportedly in discussions for a potential sixth season, despite Season 5B being initially touted as the final run. This potential continuation would differ from the upcoming sequel series The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox, which will focus on a New York City family and their connection to the Madison River Valley in Montana.
Yellowstone tells the story of the Dutton family, who own the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the U.S., navigating complex conflicts with neighboring interests, including an expanding town and a Native American reservation.
Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, Yellowstone is co-created by executive producers Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, with Costner also serving as an executive producer. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.
