The future of Paramount’s hit Western Yellowstone has been in question for months now, with reports that Kevin Costner, who plays show patriarch John Dutton, might be exiting the series to focus on his directing efforts. The conflict has called into question whether the series could possibly return with new episodes in summer 2023—as it was expected to—because, well, who is starring in it?
Now, a summer 2023 return is looking less likely than ever.
Speaking at a Yellowstone panel, the Yellowstone cast in attendance, including Josh Lucas (young John Dutton), Wendy Moniz (Lynelle Perry), Mo Brings Plenty (Mo) and Dawn Olivieri (Sarah Atwood), confirmed that the production for Season 5, Part 2 has not yet begun and they have not been given a start date for filming.
The event itself was mired in drama due to the last-minute pullout of high-profile attendees. The original list of panelists included creator Taylor Sheridan, executive producer David Glasser and cast members Kevin Costner (John Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), Kelsey Asbille (Monica Dutton), Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater) and Jacki Weaver (Caroline Warner). They were all no-shows.
Meantime, Matthew McConaughey has reportedly been in talks to fill the Coster-sized hole in fans’ hearts, in a new extension of the Taylor Sheridan universe. But the network has not confirmed that news.
A Paramount Network spokesperson told Deadline in a statement, “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner.”
Yellowstone fans, saddle up (if you haven’t already). We’re in for a bumpy ride.