Kevin Costner reveals that he was offered a massive $24 million payday to make Yellowstone seasons 5, 6 and 7, and explains why he rejected.
Kevin Costner was offered $24 million to stick with Yellowstone for seasons 5, 6, and 7. A Western set in modern Montana, Yellowstone revolves around the Dutton family as it attempts to retain a tenuous hold over the largest ranch in the state. The show has become a remarkable success for Paramount and has provided the opportunity for numerous spin-offs, including 1883, 1923, and the still-in-development 6666. Despite critical and audience acclaim, Yellowstone is set to end with the second half of season 5, though that’s been delayed by the ongoing Hollywood strikes.
According to Deadline’s sources close to the actor and his ongoing divorce trial, Costner claims he was offered $24 million to remain on for Yellowstone seasons 6 and 7. It was not enough to save Yellowstone from ending with season 5, as creative differences caused a rift between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, with the actor considering a lawsuit against undisclosed parties, due to the show’s premature ending. Check out Costner’s quote below:
We did negotiate. There were issues about creative. I tried to break the logjam. They walked away.
Why Is Yellowstone Ending?
The fact that Yellowstone is ending is a surprising one, given that the show has been an abject success for Paramount. With so many spin-offs and Yellowstone season 5 securing a Rotten Tomatoes score of 84% after debuting at a mere 56%, the show was seemingly in a secure position. As Costner is intending to argue in court, behind-the-scenes differences have been the true reason for the collapse of the Western show.
Costner has been dedicated to filming the four-part Western movie, Horizon: An American Saga. Filming for Yellowstone was becoming a significant issue for Costner, as the split nature of the seasons was preventing him from setting aside a block to film Horizon. With limited opportunities to film, Costner has reportedly been attempting to decrease the time spent on the set of the show, which became a catastrophic creative difference with Sheridan and Paramount. As one of its leads, Costner’s presence throughout season 5 is essential, and as such became a threat that would bring about the show’s early end.
Yellowstone’s ending has also been delayed due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, and with season 5 part 2 unable to complete filming, the show remains in an indefinite limbo. With no definitive end in sight, it will be some time before the conclusion of season 5, and any actual insight for the true future of the Yellowstone will franchise.