Kevin Costner has been the driving force behind Yellowstone’s success, but his upcoming departure from the show opens up the sequel to an exciting new realm of possibilities. Season 5 is still in the midst of a mid-season hiatus – one which will likely draw out even longer given the ongoing writer’s strike. Costner is still projected to return for the conclusion of Yellowstone season 5 before leaving the show once and for all.
In lieu of continuing Yellowstone without the Dutton patriarch, the universe will expand with spin-offs and a high-profile direct sequel. While many shows never recover from losing their primary character, Yellowstone should have no problem carrying on. In fact, Yellowstone may end up better off with its current plan forward than it would by simply continuing the current narrative.
Matthew McConaughey Makes Yellowstone’s Sequel Better Than Yellowstone Season 6
With Kevin Costner’s time in the Yellowstone universe ending at the conclusion of season 5, the show in its current iteration will likely end. However, the sequel show will star Matthew McConaughey and will likely continue to cover the war for control over the Yellowstone ranch, Broken Rock reservation, and the state of Montana. What role McConaughey will play in relation to the original cast – whether as a long-lost Dutton or an entirely new character – has not yet been revealed.
Regardless of who or what McConaughey’s character is, it will be a welcome pivot away from Costner’s John Dutton as a central figure. Costner was excellent in the role and established John Dutton as one of the great characters of American television, but after 4.5 seasons Yellowstone is past its peak. The sequel show will bring a fresh perspective to the already-established universe, and also marks McConaughey’s return to prestige television. If Yellowstone’s sequel can capture any of the magic of McConaughey’s performance in True Detective then the show should be an instant hit.
Yellowstone’s Future Is Still Very Exciting Despite Show’s Ending
Even though the landmark show is coming to a close, the future of the overall franchise has never been more exciting. In addition to the McConaughey-led spinoff, the second season of 1923 will likely conclude sometime in 2024 pending the writer’s strike. Two other spin-offs are currently in the works – 6666, which will follow cowboys on the famous Four Sixes Ranch (most likely focusing on Jefferson White’s Yellowstone character Jimmy Hurdstrom), and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, based on the real first black deputy U.S. Marshal to serve in the west circa the 1883 timeline.
6666 and the McConaughey-led spinoff also open the door for many of the beloved characters from Yellowstone to reappear in other series. While Costner’s John Dutton is the central character, Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, Kayce and Monica Dutton, and Thomas Rainwater all have well-established stories worth continuing. Given the success of the two prequel series and the built-in audience that exists from the original show, it won’t take much to green light spin-offs for any of the existing major Yellowstone characters. As abrupt and tumultuous as Kevin Costner’s exit will be, the overall Yellowstone universe will not only continue on in his absence, it will thrive.