When it rains, it pours—and in the world of television, the storm clouds have gathered over Yellowstone. Kevin Costner’s announcement that he’s bowing out of Season 5, Part 2, was the final nail in the coffin of fan hopes. Despite many clinging to the fantasy of John Dutton riding back into the sunset for one last hurrah, especially with the show wrapping later this year, it seems that hope might be more of a mirage than a reality.
But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining, and it looks like Costner might have struck gold by making his exit decision. But who’s holding the shovel that dug up this unexpected treasure? None other than Taylor Sheridan, at least that’s the buzz among fans.
Kevin Costner’s Exit from Yellowstone Could Be a Smart Move?
Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone has turned into a full-blown soap opera, complete with a cocktail of creative clashes, scheduling slip-ups, and legal headaches.
But the debate among viewers is that Taylor Sheridan, the maestro of modern Westerns, is the one holding the blame for this twist. One fan weighed in on the whole shebang, expressing frustration with Yellowstone for not providing a redeeming character arc for John Dutton.
Initially intrigued by the show’s drama and beautiful setting, the fan was disappointed to find John Dutton consistently harming his children and prioritizing his own pride over their well-being.
Another fan has expressed disappointment with Yellowstone for several reasons. Lured in by the show’s brooding drama and stunning scenery, they hoped to find a character to root for, but struggled to connect with anyone except Kayce.
The fan also criticized the show’s portrayal of feminism through Beth, finding it problematic. Ultimately, they felt that the show’s negative depiction of parenting and tradition was too much to bear and decided not to continue watching, concluding that there was no satisfying resolution to the story.
Fans feel that John’s actions make him a villain rather than a complex character, and they are put off by the lack of meaningful character development or redemption, leading them to abandon the show.
Kevin Costner’s Exit from Yellowstone: What Fans Need to Know
Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone has officially been confirmed, and it’s about as surprising as a tumbleweed in a desert storm. With the show’s final season on the horizon, it looks like we won’t be seeing a grand farewell for John Dutton.
“It was just time to move on and as gracefully as you can with something that’s been very important to you,” Costner told Extra, suggesting he wanted to bow out without making a scene. As for how Dutton’s story would have wrapped up if Costner had stuck around, he’s as in the dark as the rest of us—no one filled him in.
Costner’s departure has been a veritable circus, overshadowing some of the more promising elements of Season 5, Part 2. “I gave this thing five seasons,” the actor informed The Hollywood Reporter:
I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So, let’s just take that drama away, let’s take the guessing [away]. The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.
With his Yellowstone days behind him, Costner is turning his focus to his own projects. Though Horizon: An American Saga may not be setting the critical world on fire just yet, it’s sure to be a hit with fans who miss seeing Costner in his Western element.
The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 will air on November 10, 2024.