Costner played John Dutton III, the powerful family patriarch and owner of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
However, many viewers were holding out hope that Costner would finish the series.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, and (spoiler alert!)
Costner’s character was killed off at the start of Season 5, part 2.
The last episodes of the show then centered in large part around his death.
So, why did Costner leave a hit show in the middle of a season?
They stemmed from reports of scheduling issues and conflicts between Costner and the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan.
Allegedly, the actor only wanted to spend a week filming his final scenes.
However, Costner’s team refuted that claim.
But rumors were only stoked by PaleyFest in April 2023.
There were even theories that he developed “Horizon” because he was tired of the Paramount show.
But Costner doesn’t see things that way.
“I couldn’t help them anymore,” Costner said.
There was even talk from Costner about possibly suing the show over the failed contract negotiations.
Interestingly, he also said he would be open to coming back if he saw a good script.
The show wrapped up without Costner, with the final episodes airing at the end of 2024.
You would think that would be the end of it, but the drama kept rolling.
Luke Grimes played Kayce Dutton, the youngest son of Kevin Costner’s character.
With all the behind-the-scenes angst, it might be best that the show is done.
“Yellowstone” fans still have plenty to watch with the ongoing spinoffs about the Dutton family.
And for those who still want to see Costner on screen, there’s always “Horizon.”
