Why Did Kevin Costner LeaveYellowstone? Inside the Actor’s Decision to Walk Away from John Dutton — and How It Affected the Patriarch’s Storyline

Mar. 15, 2025

Kevin Costner as John Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’.Photo:Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus

Warning:Yellowstoneseason 5 part 2 spoilers ahead!

In June 2024, after months of rumors, the Oscar winner confirmed that he would not be returning for the second half ofseason 5. He announced his exit onInstagram, referring toYellowstoneas the “beloved series” he holds dear.

Costner’s post came days after the actor spoke to PEOPLE in hiscover storyabout feeling disappointed in the lack of support from production regarding media narratives.

Shortly after, creatorTaylor SheridantoldThe Hollywood Reporterthat he was “disappointed” in Costner’s exit. “It truncates the closure of his character. It doesn’t alter it, but it truncates it,” he said.

WhenYellowstoneseason 5 part 2 premiered on Nov. 10, viewers learned within the first few minutes of episode 9 thatJohn had died from a gunshot wound. The death fell in line with Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) and corporate shark Sarah Atwood’s (Dawn Olivieri) plan to have the patriarch killed in the midseason finale.

So why did Kevin Costner leaveYellowstone? Here’s everything to know about the actor’s departure from the Western drama.

Why did Kevin Costner leaveYellowstone?

Kevin Costner as John Dutton, Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton and Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5.Paramount

Paramount

Costner’s confirmed departure came afterreports surfacedabout scheduling conflicts and production issues in early 2023. The following spring, the actor shared his perspective on the situation, which involved simultaneously working on a personal project.

In May 2024, Costner toldDeadlinethat he left filming forHorizonto be on set forYellowstone— only to arrive and find that “there was no script.” He went on to address how his attempt to accommodate amid his tight schedule was then spun in the media.

“What you read in the end was that I said, ‘Well, look, I’m doing my movie. If you want me to work a week because you want to kill me or whatever else, I can give you a week,’ ” the actor told the outlet. “I really didn’t have that week to give them, but I said, I’ll do that. And then they [spun that] into, I only wanted to work a week.”

Costner added that his commitment toYellowstonewas never the issue but rather a swirl of factors outside his control that made things challenging.

“I madeYellowstonethe first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong,” he told the outlet. “I did not initiate any of those things. They did. They were doing a tap dance and this poor guy was also having to write so much.”

Costner has also spoken about the lack of support he received from others involved with the series.

“I was disappointedthat nobody on their side … ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them,” he told PEOPLE in June 2024. “There came a moment where I thought, ‘Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what Ihavedone versus what Ihaven’tdone?’ "

What has Kevin Costner said about leavingYellowstone?

Kevin Costner as John Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5.Paramount

“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,” he explained. “I love the relationship that we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”

While speaking to PEOPLE, theField of Dreamsstar shared similar words. “I liked the people on the show. I liked what it was about. I love that world,” he said.

More recently, Costner revealedhe didn’t watch the season 5 part 2 premiereofYellowstoneon Nov. 10, and after learning of John’s fate through the media, he revealed on SiriusXM’sThe Michael Smerconish Programthat he isn’t in a “rush to go see it.”

What has theYellowstonecast said about Kevin Costner’s departure?

Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton and Kevin Costner as John Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5.Paramount

In April 2024,YellowstonestarLuke Grimessaid he understood Costner’s reasons for leaving during an interview withThe Independent.

Grimes, who plays Costner’s on-screen son, Kayce Dutton, told the outlet that while “whatever happened there” is “unfortunate,” he is supportive of Costner’s pursuit of “passion projects,” likeHorizon —which Costnerinvested $38 million of his own fundsas well as being heavily involved in co-writing, directing, producing and starring.

“At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love,” Grimes added.

While talking to PEOPLE in November 2024, Grimes reiterated that the “patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story.” Still, the actor said that it “felt different” not having Costner on set for the final six episodes.

“He’s a big presence, man, guy’s an icon,” he added. “But as always, we’re a big family now. It was just as special and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much.”

Fellow cast member Wes Bentley, who portrays Jamie Dutton, echoed a similar sentiment during a conversation withThe Hollywood Reporter. “We miss him," he said. “He’s a huge part of the show and great guy to have around.”

How was Kevin Costner’s character written off inYellowstone?

Kevin Costner as John Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’.Cam McLeod/Paramount

Cam McLeod/Paramount

Yellowstoneseason 5 part 1 chronicled John adjusting to his new job as Montana’s 26th governor while still overseeing his ranch’s affairs. During his time in office, he shut down projects to modernize the state and voiced his opposition to a federal pipeline.

After John kept his vow to protect the land and traditions, Jamie and Sarah toyed with the idea of killing him. Though it was a passing thought for the attorney general amid an emotional moment, she brought it to fruition.

In the season 5 part 2 premiere ofYellowstone, John appeared to have died from a fatal gunshot wound from what appeared to be a suicide. As Kayce and Beth (Kelly Reilly) reeled from the tragedy, she pointed the finger at Jamie and Sarah for plotting John’s murder. Despite Kayce dismissing the idea, viewers were taken a few weeks prior to when Sarah set the plan in motion.

How can I watchYellowstoneseason 5 part 2?

Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler and Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5.Paramount+

Paramount+

New episodes air weekly at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and the Paramount Network will air the prior week’s episode at 6:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Season 5 part 2 will eventually be available to stream on Peacock. In the past, new episodes ofYellowstonearrived on Peacock six months after the Paramount Network aired the season finale.

source: people.com