Why Did Kevin Costner Leave Yellowstone? Inside the Actor’s Decision to Walk Away from John Dutton — and How It Affected the Patriarch’s Storyline

Warning: Yellowstone season 5 part 2 spoilers ahead!

Kevin Costner said an early goodbye to his Yellowstone character, John Dutton.

In June 2024, after months of rumors, the Oscar winner confirmed that he would not be returning for the second half of season 5. He announced his exit on Instagram, referring to Yellowstone as the “beloved series” he holds dear.

Costner’s post came days after the actor spoke to PEOPLE in his cover story about feeling disappointed in the lack of support from production regarding media narratives.

Shortly after, creator Taylor Sheridan told The Hollywood Reporter that he was “disappointed” in Costner’s exit. “It truncates the closure of his character. It doesn’t alter it, but it truncates it,” he said.

When Yellowstone season 5 part 2 premiered on Nov. 10, viewers learned within the first few minutes of episode 9 that John had died from a gunshot wound. The death fell in line with Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) and corporate shark Sarah Atwood's (Dawn Olivieri) plan to have the patriarch killed in the midseason finale.

So why did Kevin Costner leave Yellowstone? Here's everything to know about the actor's departure from the Western drama.

Why did Kevin Costner leave Yellowstone?

Costner’s confirmed departure came after reports surfaced about scheduling conflicts and production issues in early 2023. The following spring, the actor shared his perspective on the situation, which involved simultaneously working on a personal project.

In May 2024, Costner told Deadline that he left filming for Horizon to be on set for Yellowstone — only to arrive and find that “there was no script.” He went on to address how his attempt to accommodate amid his tight schedule was then spun in the media.

“What you read in the end was that I said, ‘Well, look, I’m doing my movie. If you want me to work a week because you want to kill me or whatever else, I can give you a week,’ ” the actor told the outlet. “I really didn’t have that week to give them, but I said, I’ll do that. And then they [spun that] into, I only wanted to work a week.”

Costner added that his commitment to Yellowstone was never the issue but rather a swirl of factors outside his control that made things challenging.

“I made Yellowstone the first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong,” he told the outlet. “I did not initiate any of those things. They did. They were doing a tap dance and this poor guy was also having to write so much.”

Costner has also spoken about the lack of support he received from others involved with the series.

"I was disappointed that nobody on their side ... ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them,” he told PEOPLE in June 2024. “There came a moment where I thought, 'Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what I have done versus what I haven't done?' "

What has Kevin Costner said about leaving Yellowstone?

Despite his frustrations, Costner has been vocal about his appreciation for Yellowstone. In his June 2024 Instagram post, the actor concluded his update by reiterating what the show meant to him, underscoring his deep love for the series and the community it has cultivated.

"It was something that really changed me. I loved it and I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning,” he explained. “I love the relationship that we've been able to develop, and I'll see you at the movies."

While speaking to PEOPLE, the Field of Dreams star shared similar words. "I liked the people on the show. I liked what it was about. I love that world," he said.

More recently, Costner revealed he didn't watch the season 5 part 2 premiere of Yellowstone on Nov. 10, and after learning of John's fate through the media, he revealed on SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program that he isn't in a "rush to go see it."

What has the Yellowstone cast said about Kevin Costner’s departure?

In April 2024, Yellowstone star Luke Grimes said he understood Costner's reasons for leaving during an interview with The Independent.

Grimes, who plays Costner’s on-screen son, Kayce Dutton, told the outlet that while “whatever happened there” is “unfortunate," he is supportive of Costner’s pursuit of “passion projects,” like Horizon — which Costner invested $38 million of his own funds as well as being heavily involved in co-writing, directing, producing and starring.

“At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love,” Grimes added.

While talking to PEOPLE in November 2024, Grimes reiterated that the "patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story." Still, the actor said that it "felt different" not having Costner on set for the final six episodes.

"He's a big presence, man, guy's an icon," he added. "But as always, we're a big family now. It was just as special and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much."

Fellow cast member Wes Bentley, who portrays Jamie Dutton, echoed a similar sentiment during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. “We miss him," he said. "He’s a huge part of the show and great guy to have around.”

How was Kevin Costner's character written off in Yellowstone?

Yellowstone season 5 part 1 chronicled John adjusting to his new job as Montana's 26th governor while still overseeing his ranch's affairs. During his time in office, he shut down projects to modernize the state and voiced his opposition to a federal pipeline.

After John kept his vow to protect the land and traditions, Jamie and Sarah toyed with the idea of killing him. Though it was a passing thought for the attorney general amid an emotional moment, she brought it to fruition.

In the season 5 part 2 premiere of Yellowstone, John appeared to have died from a fatal gunshot wound from what appeared to be a suicide. As Kayce and Beth (Kelly Reilly) reeled from the tragedy, she pointed the finger at Jamie and Sarah for plotting John's murder. Despite Kayce dismissing the idea, viewers were taken a few weeks prior to when Sarah set the plan in motion.

How can I watch Yellowstone season 5 part 2?

Yellowstone season 5 part 2 is available on Paramount Network. Viewers can watch episodes live through the Paramount Network channel on a TV. Fans can also sign in through their TV provider or live streaming subscription on other devices.

New episodes air weekly at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and the Paramount Network will air the prior week's episode at 6:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Season 5 part 2 will eventually be available to stream on Peacock. In the past, new episodes of Yellowstone arrived on Peacock six months after the Paramount Network aired the season finale.