Kevin Costner, the Golden Globe-winning star of Paramount’s hit series “Yellowstone,” has officially confirmed his departure from the show, putting an end to months of speculation and bringing closure to fans of the modern Western drama.
In a video message shared on social media late Thursday, Costner addressed his followers directly, stating, “I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning.” The 69-year-old actor expressed his love for the series and acknowledged its impact on both himself and the audience, calling “Yellowstone” a “beloved series that I love, that I know you love.”
Costner’s exit from “Yellowstone” marks the end of his tenure as John Dutton, the patriarch of a powerful ranching family in Montana. His portrayal of Dutton earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe award in 2023 for Best Actor in a Television Series – Drama.
The announcement comes more than a year after initial reports of Costner’s potential departure surfaced in February 2023. At that time, rumors circulated about scheduling conflicts and creative differences between Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan. The actor first hinted at his departure during a Santa Barbara court hearing for his divorce proceedings in September 2023, citing negotiation issues with the studios.
Paramount Network has confirmed that the final episodes of “Yellowstone” will begin airing on November 10, 2024. A spokesperson for the network expressed their appreciation for Costner’s contribution to the show’s success, stating, “Kevin was a big part of ‘Yellowstone’s’ success, and we had hoped to continue working with him.” However, they acknowledged the inability to find a mutually agreeable schedule, adding, “We respect that Kevin has prioritized his new film series, and we wish him the best.”
The primary reason for Costner’s departure appears to be his commitment to “Horizon: An American Saga,” an ambitious four-part Western epic that he is both directing and starring in. The first installment of “Horizon” is set to premiere in theaters on June 28, 2024. In his video message, Costner alluded to the demanding nature of this project, mentioning “this long year and a half of working on ‘Horizon.'”
The relationship between Costner’s work on “Horizon” and his “Yellowstone” commitments has been a point of contention. Last year, The Hollywood Reporter cited sources claiming that Costner and Sheridan were at odds over the actor’s “Horizon” schedule and how it allegedly complicated his “Yellowstone” filming commitments. Sheridan himself commented on the situation, saying, “His movie seems to be a great priority to him and he wants to shift focus. I sure hope [the movie is] worth it — and that it’s a good one.”
Despite the challenges, Costner expressed gratitude for his time on “Yellowstone,” noting that the series “really changed me.” His departure marks the end of an era for the show, which premiered in 2018 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers and spawning several spin-off series.
As “Yellowstone” prepares to conclude its run, fans are left to wonder how the series will wrap up John Dutton’s storyline. Paramount has not yet revealed details about how the show will address Costner’s absence in the final episodes.
For Costner, the focus now shifts to “Horizon,” which represents his return to the director’s chair for a feature film after nearly 20 years. As he told fans in his farewell message, “I’ll see you at the movies,” signaling his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his storied career.
The departure of Kevin Costner from “Yellowstone” closes a significant chapter in television history, leaving fans to reflect on the impact of his portrayal of John Dutton and eagerly anticipate both the conclusion of the series and Costner’s future projects.