It is truly the end of an era for those who have been invested in “Yellowstone” since the dawn of the Dutton Ranch in 2018.
Kevin Costner took to Instagram on June 20 to confirm his official departure from the Paramount+ hit after months of speculation.
The announcement comes as a shock to the show’s loyal fanbase, as Paramount recently resumed production on the second half of its fifth and final season.
Rumors surrounding Costner’s future as a member of the “Yellowstone” cast swirled as the actor and director pursued other professional projects, including his epic two-part Western drama “Horizon: An American Saga,” out June 28.
Costner put the chatter to rest in his latest post, telling fans in part, “[A]nd thinking about “Yellowstone” – that beloved series that I love, and I know you love – I realized that I am not going to be able to continue season 5B, or into the future.”
The star’s portrayal of John Dutton III has been a central part of the series’ first four seasons, and it is believed that the Oscar winner’s absence from the cast could dramatically impact the projection of the show’s final episodes.
The second half of “Yellowstone’s” fifth seasons are set to air on November 10, leaving viewers several months to cope with the loss of Costner’s John Dutton III before the show reaches its conclusion.
Costner closed out the IG video with a bittersweet “and I’ll see you at the movies,” affirming his return to the big screen while wistfully concluding his time with “Yellowstone.”
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.