Kevin Costner is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors having starred in projects such as Man of Steel, Dances with Wolves, and Hatfields & McCoys. Recently, the actor has been synonymous with the character John Dutton III, a role that he plays in the Paramount Network Western original drama television series Yellowstone. However, that is about to change as recent reports reveal he is departing from the show after five seasons.
According to sources who spoke to ET Online, Costner’s departure is the result of a disagreement between him and Taylor Sheridan, who co-created the Yellowstone franchise, about his conflicting filming schedules. Costner’s commitment to other projects has impeded progress on the television series with the fifth season currently on hold as a result.
Kevin Costner is reportedly leaving the Yellowstone television series after five seasons due to a disagreement with the show's co-creator, Taylor Sheridan, about conflicting filming schedules. This departure likely means the end of the Western drama, but there are several Yellowstone-related projects in the pipeline as potential replacements.
The first part of the current season aired between November 13, 2022, and January 3, 2023, but there's no telling when the second part will begin airing, especially since it hasn’t been filmed. If it proves impossible to bring Costner back, there is a high possibility they will write his character out and go ahead with filming anyway.
This isn't the first time reports are surfacing about Costner’s departure. However, where earlier reports stated that it was only a mere possibility, the latest one claims it's a foregone conclusion.
Unfortunately for fans of the television series, Costner’s departure also means the end of the Western drama, which has aired since 2018. Fortunately for them, Sheridan had been preparing for this possibility and currently has several Yellowstone-related projects in the pipeline as a replacement.
News of Costner’s exit from Yellowstone come amidst reports that his wife of more than 18 years, Christine Baumgartner, has filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences. In a statement shared with the Associated Press, the actor’s rep stated, "It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action. We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time."
In other news, Paramount+ renewed the Yellowstone spinoff series titled 1923 for a second season in February. Since the prequel series, which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, aired the final episode of its debut season on February 26, there is no telling when the second season will be ready. The studio is also working on another spinoff of the series which will feature True Detective star Matthew McConaughey as the lead character.
