Costner's Newest Yellowstone Update Hints at Dutton's Off-Screen Death
Will John suffer the same fate as his wife?
'I don't do f--k-you car crashes. Whether [Dutton's fate] inflates [Costner's] ego or insults is collateral damage that I don't factor in with regard to storytelling,' Taylor Sheridan told The Hollywood Reporter in June, implying that whatever Kevin Costner decides about his future on Yellowstone, John Dutton will get the ending originally planned rather than being simply killed off.
However, it now seems that John's death is going to happen anyway. What's more, it can also be done off-screen since the actor reportedly will not be returning to shoot the final episodes. Looks like it's not Jamie or even Beth who's going to find themself at the train station, but the patriarch of the Dutton family himself.
Yellowstone plot recap
The first part of Season 5 had viewers on the edge of their seats wondering what was next in store for the beloved (and hated) members of the Dutton family. While attempting to impeach John as Montana Governor, Jamie was confronted by Beth and told her the truth about the so-called 'train station' — the lawless zone of death where all Dutton opponents end up.
Although Beth was shocked by the revelation and began to question her family and father's actions, she remained determined to kill Jamie along with a reluctant John. But it seems that Jamie may outwit his adoptive father and sister.
What's the deal with Kevin Costner?
In May 2023, Paramount announced that Yellowstone lead actor Kevin Costner was leaving the project and that the second half of Season 5 would be the series finale. Costner's main reason for the departure is reportedly his commitment to his own Western project, Horizon, which will consist of four feature films.
In addition, Costner revealed he was offered a much lower salary for Season 5 compared to the previous installments.
Will Costner be part of S5 Part 2?
Us Weekly was able to view documents from Costner's child support hearing (the actor is suing his estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner, who filed for divorce in May of this year).
The documents state that Costner completed work on Yellowstone in June 2022, when the first half of Season 5 was filmed, which suggests the actor won't appear in the remaining episodes. This has been confirmed by his legal team: Costner 'will not be involved in any future episodes,' his representatives said.
So it looks like the Dutton family patriarch will be killed off-screen in the upcoming episodes. This may be a somewhat disappointing way to end the series (for Taylor Sheridan, for sure), but fans are still eagerly awaiting to see how the other characters' storylines will wrap up. Paramount+ is yet to announce the release date for Season 5 Part 2.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter, US Weekly.