Kevin Costner, the star behind John Dutton in the hit series “Yellowstone,” has left fans reeling with his latest career move. Over the weekend, Costner revealed his focus is now firmly on other projects, notably his film series “Horizon: An American Saga,” casting doubt on his return to the beloved Western drama.
“Back on the ground working on #HorizonAmericanSaga Part 3. Hard to believe that Part 1 will be in theaters in less than a month now. I hope you’ll go and see what we’ve put together for you,” Costner announced, highlighting his commitment to the new project.
The news comes amid a swirl of speculation about Costner’s future with “Yellowstone.” His participation in the final episodes remains uncertain, and insiders suggest it’s unlikely he’ll return to the show that he’s starred in since 2018.
Costner initially planned to film only three seasons but ended up doing five, driven by his belief in the world created by co-creator and showrunner Taylor Sheridan.
“I just believed in the world. I knew it was a soap opera. I knew we should all be in jail. We’ve all killed people there. And so you throw logic out the window a little bit,” Costner said on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast.
However, rumors of a feud with Sheridan have cast a shadow over Costner’sdeparture. Speculation began in early 2023, with claims that Costner was holding up production on the second half of Yellowstone season 5 due to dissatisfaction with the filming schedule.
Costner has vehemently denied these accusations, attributing delays to a lack of scripts and external factors like the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. “That’s not true,” Costner told Deadline, refuting claims that his work on “Horizon” interfered with “Yellowstone” production. “There was no script. And then things imploded.”
Despite the turbulence, Costner hasn’t completely closed the door on a return to the TV show. “If the writing’s there and I’m happy with it, I’m open to that,” he stated, though he expressed frustration over the lack of support during the media frenzy. “I’m not happy about that. But if the writing is there, I will be there too.”
As “Yellowstone” prepares to end with season 5, the series is set to continue with a sequel titled “2024.” The show’s future without Costner’s John Dutton remains a significant question mark, leaving fans to wonder how the storyline will adapt and whether there’s a chance for a final farewell from the character who became synonymous with the show’s success.
For now, it’s clear that Kevin Costner is channeling his energy into “Horizon,” potentially signaling the end of an era for “Yellowstone” fans but opening a new chapter in the actor’s illustrious career.
