Kevin Costner may not be a part of Yellowstone’s final installment, and while this disappointing, his absence may help the franchise in the long run.

The question of Kevin Costner’s participation in Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is still up in the air, and though losing the face of the franchise could be upsetting for viewers, it could also be an opportunity to keep the franchise going, albeit in a new direction. Yellowstone is a Western drama series that is in the midst of its fifth and final season. The show follows the Duttons, a family of ranchers led by the patriarch, Kevin Costner’s John Dutton. Sixth generation cattle ranchers, the Duttons must face political corruption, murder, and old familial wounds.

Although Yellowstone season 5, part 1 premiered at the very start of 2023, the second part is still a long way off. Due to the SAG-AFTRA writer’s strike, which started in May 2023 and ended in November, Yellowstone’s writers have likely only just finished writing the final installment, and it is rumored that production won’t begin until early 2024. This delay in Yellowstone’s finale has led to a variety of questions about how the series will end, and more importantly, who will be there. Although Kevin Costner was firmly present in Yellowstone season 5, part 1, his participation in part 2 is definitely in question.

It has been up for debate whether Kevin Costner will return for the final episodes of Yellowstone, and at this point, it seems like the answer is no. In a recent episode of the podcast, “The Town,” Hollywood insider Matt Belloni spoke about Costner’s participation in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Belloni stated, “…the question is whether Costner is in those final episodes of this season of Yellowstone. And my understanding is that, as of now, he is not going to be in those episodes.” Though not a definite confirmation of Costner’s exit, it’s a strong hint that the actor is more likely to leave the show than to reappear.

The reason why Kevin Costner is likely to leave Yellowstone is because, allegedly, there have been major disputes between the actor and the Yellowstone showrunners. Though there seemed to be a variety of problems, including creative direction, one particular problem was the filming schedule of Yellowstone season 5, part 2. Apparently, making the show’s final installment was going to interfere with Costner’s passion project, Horizon: An American Saga. Throughout the year, more issues have come to light about Costner’s contract and payment, but either way, his problems with Yellowstone have clearly been enough to warrant his exit.