The drama ofYellowstoneis not something that only takes place on-screen, as the well documented fallout ofKevin Costner’s alleged refusal to work certain times and departure from the popular Taylor Sheridan series can testify. Just like all dramas, you think you’ve seen it all and then suddenly there is a twist – in this case, one that could see Costner returning to finish what he started as John Dutton.
The sprawlingYellowstonefranchise, with itsmany spin-offs and world-expanding storylines, has become a genre giant, and one that still shows no real signs of hanging up its hat just yet. With new series and returning shows on the cards, at the center of its universe is the original series that started it all.Yellowstonewill return for the second half of its fifth season, which will round out the story of the Dutton family, led by Costner’s formidable patriarch. But will he be there to finish John Dutton’s story?
Yellowstone
Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner and centers on his character John Dutton. Dutton and his family live on a cattle ranch just a few hours away from Yellowstone National Park. The series chronicles the family’s struggle to defend their home from an Indian reservation and land developers. As if their life wasn’t complicated enough, the Duttons also have medical issues, political aspirations, and family secrets stacked against them.
It was previously reported that Costner had completely abandoned the idea of returning toYellowstonedue to conflicts in schedules, a falling out with creator Sheridan and many other rumored demands from the actor that saw him seemingly ruled out of a return to the series for its finale. However a new report fromPuck Newshas suggested that Costner is now keen to get back in the saddle to complete his story arc.
These new reports seem to center on Costner’s representatives allegedly attempting to negotiate his return for the final episodes of Season 5. This twist in the narrative adds a new layer to the production, asYellowstonecreator Taylor Sheridan reportedly completed the scripting for the final episodeswithout Costner’s John Dutton being part of it. The potential absence of Costner’s character from the final episodes raises questions about the direction of the series and how Sheridan plans to tie up the numerous storylines without his presence.
How To Watch Every ‘Yellowstone’ Series in Chronological Order and By Release Date
Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Yellowstone’ universe is ever-expanding with new spinoffs popping up all the time. Here’s how and where to watch it all in order.
Yellowstone is Ready to Begin Filming Its Final Episodes
Yellowstoneis expected to resume filming its final Season 5 episodes later this year, marking a pivotal moment for the series as it approaches its conclusion. Whether this goes ahead with or without Costner is something that is yet to be seen, as so far there has been no word on whether Sheridan would even consider having Costner back following the ruckus of the last several months involving the star.
Regardless of Costner’s participation, or lack of it, Paramount has already set the stage for the future of the franchise with the announcement of a sequel series. Rumors continue to mentionMatthew McConaughey’s potential involvementin this next venture, which has yet to be officially confirmed but is going by the working title of2024. Based on the franchise’s use of years to head up different time periods within the universe, there is a lot of speculation about whether this spin-off will bring the franchise into the present. Several other shows are also being developed.
For those looking to immerse themselves in theYellowstonesaga, or catch up before the series returns, the journey through the Dutton family’s trials and tribulations is available on Peacock and the Paramount Network. If you want to catch up on all the drama and controversy surrounding Kevin Costner’s departure from Sheridan’s show, check out our video essay below:
