Why is Kevin Costner leaving Yellowstone?

As ranch patriarch John Dutton, Kevin Costner plays an integral role in Yellowstone — so, why is the star leaving the series for good?

Yellowstone has truly proven to be one of the most popular scripted series of the modern era. Momentum has continued to build over the years, with 12.1 million viewers tuning in to Season 5 Part 1 last November, breaking its own record. 

But since then, Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western juggernaut has been plagued by rumors and speculations, a majority of which involve Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton. An alleged feud between Costner and Sheridan has broken out, and various troubles has meant that Costner has exited, and Yellowstone has been cancelled.

Now that the flagship show is coming to a close with Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, some are speculating whether or not Costner will return for the final six episodes. Whatever the outcome, fans might be wondering why the actor is leaving Yellowstone at all. 

Why is Kevin Costner leaving Yellowstone?

Although Costner is yet to release an official statement explaining his departure from Yellowstone, there’s one main reason that likely plays a key part in all of this: he was wrapped up in the production of his movie Western epic Horizon. 

Horizon: An American Saga has been a passion project for Costner for decades, and at long last, he was able to get it made. But with Yellowstone Season 5 being split into two halves, production was stretched out and led to a clash for Costner. When it came down to it, Costner chose Horizon over Yellowstone.

During all this, rumors of a feud quickly took over. Insiders of the Paramount show told the New York Post back in April that there’s an issue of “ego” between the two, and it’s not necessarily one-sided. “Taylor is the star of his show,” they explained. “He’s the most important person on all of his shows.”

These rumors have been accelerated by various no-show events, including PaleyFest. Sheridan, Costner, and co were set to attend the TV festival, but left fans disappointed by a last-minute cancellation.

Many of the claims have cited scheduling disagreements with Costner, who is busy with Horizon: An American Saga, with some suggesting the actor was only willing to shoot scenes for one week. 

However, Costner’s attorney Marty Singer previously denied the rumors, telling Puck News: “The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of Season 5 of Yellowstone is an absolute lie.” 

Either way, as the co-writer, producer, director, and star of his Horizon project, there’s no denying Costner has a lot on his plate right now. Shooting for the first film started in August 2022 and was finished by November.

Recent behind-the-scenes set photos appear to show that production is underway for part two of Costner’s Horizon collection, while Deadline confirmed the cameras had started rolling for the second film.

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In short, it seems like The Bodyguard star just doesn’t have the time to focus on Yellowstone right now, having appeared as the lead since its debut season in 2018. 

Sources suggested to Variety earlier this year that “the issue seems to be Costner’s shooting schedule, with Costner being available for fewer days as the show has progressed.”

Salary and creative disagreements

Kevin Costner also stated that failed negotiations over pay were one of the reasons for leaving Yellowstone, as well as some disagreements on the creative direction of the show.

Costner said [via People Magazine]: “I couldn’t help them any more. We tried to negotiate, they offered me less money than previous seasons, there were issues with the creative…”

According to Costner, his team offered a sum to Paramount, who refused to pay the requested amount. As such, the actor has stated that he “will probably go to court over it.”

When will Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 arrive?

Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 will be released in November 2024, with the final episodes bringing about the end of the show altogether.

Though the flagship series is drawing to a close, the Yellowstone world will live on through its spinoffs, including 1923 Season 2, 6666, 2024, and 1944 – one of which may or may not star Matthew McConaughey. 

For all the latest on Yellowstone, be sure to check out the shows to watch if you love Yellowstone, other Taylor Sheridan shows & movies, and learn more about the Yellowstone cast.