If Kevin Costner’s John Dutton is going to leave Yellowstone, there’s already a perfect spot for him to die. The ranch might be Dutton’s pride and joy, but it’s cost him no end of heartbreak either. From developers, politicians and organized crime trying to force him out – sometimes through violence – to losing one son and making a mortal enemy out of another, the Yellowstone ranch seems to take away as much as it gives. That may extend to Costner himself, with the actor’s future commitment to the series being in question.
Yellowstone season 5 was designed as a two-parter, but a dispute with Costner over filming dates has seen the second half delayed. Matthew McConaughey has been confirmed to join the ever-expanding Yellowstone spinoff universe too, with reports suggesting he’ll lead a new series with regulars from the show. This strongly suggests John Dutton’s days on Yellowstone are numbered, but if he has to pass on, the show appears to have already picked the spot it will happen.
John Dutton’s Likely Yellowstone Death Spot Explained
One of the most moving scenes from Yellowstone occurred during season 2, where Costner’s Dutton is seen during a flashback taking his dying father John Dutton Sr. (Dabney Coleman) for one last horse ride. The two share whiskey and talk about life and regrets before Dutton Sr passes on. This same spot returns during season 4, when Dutton takes his son Kayce (Luke Grimes) there, telling him it’s where his grandfather passed and the place where John proposed to Kayce’s mother. This spot gives a particularly beautiful view of the ranch and is likely the place Dutton himself will die.
Not only does it hold special significance for Dutton (he also buried his late wife’s ring there), but if he had to choose a place to die, that would be it. How Yellowstone would engineer the story so that’s where he passes is another question entirely; maybe he gets shot and rides out there or his cancer could return. His death could mirror that of Dutton’s son Lee, who was shot and killed during the first episode. John later took his body to the ranch and cradled him under a tree, just as his ancestor James (Tim McGraw) did when his daughter Elsa (Isabel May) died in 1883’s finale.
Will John Dutton Actually Die If Costner Leaves Yellowstone?
Costner’s future on Yellowstone is still uncertain, but the signs are pointing to him exiting. This would be a shame, as having a star of his caliber in the lead is likely a big reason audiences first tuned in. The actor appears focused on his upcoming, multi-part Western movie series Horizon, and after five seasons he might just be ready to move on from Yellowstone. In that case, it’s almost certain John Dutton will die, and the ranch could either be passed down to his grandson Tate or returned to the Indigenous people.