“Yellowstone Fans Should Check Out the Epic Kevin Costner Western Series That Premiered 6 Years Earlier”
Long before Kevin Costner became iconic as John Dutton III in Yellowstone, he had already established himself as a major Hollywood figure. With two Academy Awards under his belt, Costner was already a household name, having earned fame in films like Silverado (1985) and Field of Dreams (1989). Silverado marked just the beginning of his journey as a Western icon, and soon after, he directed, produced, and starred in Dances with Wolves (1990). The film was a massive success, grossing $424 million on a $22 million budget and earning Costner two Oscars.
As his career flourished, Costner cemented his place in Hollywood with a variety of roles in films such as JFK (1991), Waterworld (1995), Man of Steel (2013), and Hidden Figures (2016). Along the way, he also ventured into producing and directing, including his recent project, the Horizon: An American Saga franchise. However, perhaps the most surprising role he took on came six years before Yellowstone debuted.
Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Legacy
Costner played John Dutton III through the series’ final season, becoming the face of Yellowstone. When he signed on, it was a surprising move, given his movie career and limited television history. The show, created by Taylor Sheridan, premiered on June 20, 2018, and ran for five seasons and 53 episodes. Costner’s star power, alongside co-stars like Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), helped propel the show to immense popularity.
The neo-Western drama reinvigorated interest in the Western genre at a time when it had become less common on television. Sheridan’s success with Yellowstone led to several spin-offs, such as 1883, 1923, and the upcoming 1944, 6666, and The Madison. Costner’s involvement, particularly in lending credibility and drawing attention to the series, played a major role in its success. Without him, Yellowstone might never have become the powerhouse it is today.
However, Costner’s time on the show didn’t last forever. By the time of season 5, tensions between him and Sheridan led to his exit. Production delays, scheduling conflicts, and his desire to focus on other projects like Horizon: An American Saga all contributed to his departure. Costner appeared in the first eight episodes of season 5, but ultimately, his character, John Dutton III, was written off the show. Costner’s exit reportedly eased production for the remaining episodes, with co-star Luke Grimes noting that the conflict among the cast had dissipated with his departure.
Kevin Costner’s TV Comeback in Hatfields & McCoys
Despite the tumultuous end to his time on Yellowstone, Costner’s television legacy was already established years earlier. In 2012, he starred in the History Channel miniseries Hatfields & McCoys, which dramatized the infamous feud between two American families. The show, which aired in three parts, showcased Costner as Devil Anse Hatfield, alongside other notable actors like Bill Paxton, Tom Berenger, and Boyd Holbrook.
The miniseries was a hit, drawing over 13 million viewers and earning multiple awards, including two Primetime Emmy Awards. Costner received the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Movie award for his portrayal of Devil Anse, proving that he could hold his own in the TV world just as successfully as he did in movies.
Hatfields & McCoys remains a standout in Costner’s career, offering a glimpse into his versatility and ability to tackle complex roles on both the big and small screens. While Yellowstone may be his most recognized TV role, Hatfields & McCoys demonstrated his longstanding capability to shine in television as well.
