Actor Kevin Costner has finally broken his silence on his departure from the hit TV series “Yellowstone,” but not without some resistance. In a recent interview with Gayle King on CBS Mornings, Costner found himself in a tense exchange when pressed about the details of his exit from the popular Western drama.
Costner, who portrayed Montana rancher John Dutton III for four and a half seasons, officially announced last week via Instagram that he would not be returning for the second part of Season 5. This confirmation came over a year after initial reports of his departure surfaced.
During the interview, which was recorded before Costner’s public announcement, King attempted to delve into the reasons behind his exit, particularly addressing rumors of a clash with series creator Taylor Sheridan. King suggested that both men have “big egos” and are “very powerful,” asking if their relationship had devolved into a power struggle.
Costner, visibly uncomfortable with the line of questioning, responded firmly: “This isn’t therapy, Gayle. We’re not going to discuss this on the show.” He emphasized his commitment to his career, stating, “I’ve conducted my life in a pretty straightforward way. I’ve never missed any obligations in my entire career.”
When pressed further about why he and Sheridan couldn’t resolve their differences, Costner reiterated his unwillingness to discuss the matter, saying, “We’re not going to discuss this really, honestly.”
The actor did, however, hint at creative differences as a potential factor in his departure. In line with a recent statement to People magazine, Costner suggested that the quality of the scripts had declined, saying, “The scripts weren’t there.”
Costner’s exit from “Yellowstone” comes as he promotes his latest project, “Horizon,” a western epic he describes as a “passion project” that has been over 30 years in the making. Some reports have suggested that Costner’s focus on “Horizon” contributed to scheduling conflicts with “Yellowstone,” though the actor disputes claims that he wanted to “shift focus” away from the TV series.
The interview highlights the ongoing speculation and interest surrounding Costner’s departure from “Yellowstone,” a show that has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. As the series prepares to conclude with its final episodes, viewers and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how the story unfolds without its leading man.
