The moment all Yellowstone fans dreaded has finally happened! John Dutton is dead and there is no doubt about it! After endless chatter about Kevin Costner possibly leaving the show, fans were left holding their breath, wondering how Yellowstone would navigate this shake-up. Well, the suspense is now over, and the show has finally made its bold move.
Kevin Costner in Yellowstone
Kevin Costner as John Dutton in Yellowstone | Credits: Paramount Plus
John Dutton’s departure is official, marking the end of an era for the Dutton ranch. But how did they pull it off, and what does this mean for the future of the show? Here’s the scoop on why Yellowstone has said goodbye to its iconic patriarch and how they made it happen.
How Did Kevin Costner’s John Dutton Die?
For over a year, debates have raged about whether Kevin Costner would make a final cameo to wrap up John Dutton’s story. Costner himself confirmed he wouldn’t be returning for the second part of the fifth season, and sure enough, the show wastes no time.
In the opening moments of season 5’s second half, fans are met with the shocking sight of an older man’s bloodied body at a crime scene, though Costner’s face is nowhere to be seen. It was confirmed Dutton is dead.
Why Did Kevin Costner Leave Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone?
Although Yellowstone took Kevin Costner and his bank account to new heights, the actor made it clear he needed to dedicate all his time to his brainchild, Horizon. Costner has reiterated this to the press time and again.
I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that’s required, and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love, I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future.
It was something that really changed me. I loved it. And I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning and I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop and I’ll see you at the movies.
Kevin Costner’s ambitious project, Horizon: An American Saga, the first of a planned four-part Western epic, kept him busy and was the primary reason he did not return for Yellowstone, however, it hasn’t exactly been a hit. Despite its $100 million budget, the film earned just $32 million before its theatrical run ended last week. It brought in a modest $11 million domestically during its debut weekend as per Box Office Mojo.
Chapter Two of Horizon was initially set to release in September, but after the disappointing performance of the first film, a new release strategy is in the works. Despite the setback, Costner remains hopeful. With the sequel already finished, it’s likely to be released, though whether it will hit theaters or shift to streaming platforms remains a mystery.
Yellowstone is streaming on Peacock.