Summary
Kevin Costner comments on the aftermath of hisYellowstonedeparture, claiming that no one defended him. Costner leftYellowstonemidway through season 5in favor of working on his personal project, the Western film seriesHorizon.Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1andChapter 2are set for release on June 28 and August 16, respectively.Yellowstoneseason 5, part 2 is carrying on without Costner and will be released by the end of the year on the Paramount Network.
Yellowstone Cast Guide: Every New & Returning Season 5 Character
Yellowstone season 5 features 1883’s Dawn Olivieri in a major villain role. Here are the other cast newcomers in the final season of the neo-Western.
Speaking withPeople, Costner responds to the fallout of his departure fromYellowstoneseason 5. He was"disappointed" that no one stood up for him when he decided to leave the show. The actor felt it unfair that people dwelled on what he hadn’t done rather than all the time and effort that he did put in for the series. Check out the full quote from Costner below:
I read all the stories. I was disappointed that nobody on their side… ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them. There came a moment where I thought, ‘Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what Ihavedone versus what Ihaven’tdone?’
What Does This Mean For Costner’s Potential Yellowstone Return?
Costner Is Open To The Possibility Of Returning
While Costner is unlikely to return forYellowstoneseason 5, part 2, the actor has not completely closed off the possibility of ever returning to the fictionaluniverse. Since leaving the show, he has been fairly complimentary of the series despite the surrounding drama. For example, he said earlier this month thatYellowstone"was just a really great script,“citing this as a reason that he was attracted to the project initially. In April, the actor said he would be willing to return toYellowstoneeven though the specifics of that had not been worked out with the team.
Costner’s recent statements aboutYellowstone, however, make it seem like the actor feels some lingering negativity towards his departure. In this most recent quote, Costner seems upset over how theYellowstoneteam reacted to his leave, which does not bode well for his potential to return to said team. The actor did, however, recently reiterate his love for the series,saying that he would go back “under the right circumstances.”
Costner was not clear about exactly what circumstances would justify his return, butTaylor Sheridan’s franchise has ample opportunity for Costner to return. The main story ofYellowstoneis closing out after season 5, but several of the main cast members are scheduled to return for the modern-dayYellowstonespinoffseries. With production not yet started on this show, the series could have time to refine scripts to Costner’s liking, and present him with a filming schedule that is more in line with his needs.
Yellowstone
Cast
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, as they defend their expansive ranch against external threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. Released on August 07, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
