Key Takeaways:
– Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone, had the series' end planned since the beginning, regardless of Kevin Costner's involvement.
– Yellowstone is expected to wrap up with the upcoming season 5, which will premiere in November 2024.
– Kevin Costner cited scheduling conflicts and lack of scripts as reasons for his departure from the show.
Taylor Sheridan Takes the Reins
Yellowstone, one of the most popular series on TV, faced a rash of turmoil when its leading man, Kevin Costner, suddenly exited in 2023. While his departure left fans reeling, the series creator Taylor Sheridan remained unruffled. Sheridan, it seems, had the series' ending planned long before the backstage drama began to make headlines.
Like a seasoned puppeteer, Sheridan has been pulling strings strategically, ensuring the storyline moves towards the planned conclusion. With season 5 slated to return with its last episodes on November 10, 2024, the show seems set to offer a fitting end to the beloved series.
Sheridan's Plan for Yellowstone
In a 2021 interview with The New York Times, Sheridan shed light on his vision for the series' conclusion. He emphasized that neither its success nor any backstage drama could affect the course of the storyline. According to Sheridan, the series will continue for as many seasons as necessary for him to tell the story. In no uncertain terms, he ruled out the possibility of nine seasons, asserting that preserving the plot's locomotive force was crucial.
Consequences of Costner's Departure
Kevin Costner, who brilliantly portrayed John Dutton in the series, officially left Yellowstone in 2023. His departure instigated speculation about possible conflicts and production challenges. Responding to the conjecture, Costner admitted in a statement to Deadline that the lack of scripts and his obligations to other projects led to his decision to quit.
Costner was forthright about the backstage hurdles, bemoaning the lack of scripts for the second half of season 5. He also accused the series of being unprepared, leading to an overstretched schedule that made it hard for him to maintain. In spite of his departure, Costner says he maintains an affection for the series and its large fandom.
Final Episodes on the Horizon
Initially scheduled for a summer 2023 release, the second half of Yellowstone Season 5 faced delays due to Hollywood strikes and production constraints. Despite these challenges, the final six episodes are now confirmed to premiere on November 10, 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating the conclusion of the series that they've devotedly followed.
In Summary
Despite Kevin Costner's abrupt departure from the series, Yellowstone is not on hold. The series creator, Taylor Sheridan, had the ending conveniently planned regardless of the casting changes. As such, fans can anticipate the upcoming Yellowstone season 5, set to premiere the latter part of the year on Paramount Plus, to wrap up the intriguing storyline. Costner's exit might have rocked the boat, but it certainly didn't sink the ship. As anticipation ramps up for the concluding episodes, viewers eagerly await to see how Sheridan has envisioned the end play out.
