John Dutton’s time on television has come to an end. After months of speculation,Kevin Costneris not returning toYellowstone.
On Thursday night, Costner shared the disappointing news that he will not be featured inYellowstoneseason 5, part 2. After all the rumors and negotiations, Costner finally said goodbye to his most famous television role.
“I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working onHorizonand doing all the things that’s required and thinking aboutYellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love,” Costner said in a video message onX (formerly Twitter). “I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future. 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 and I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”
An update for you guys. I’ll see you at the movies.pic.twitter.com/DpuC5cOP6F
— Kevin Costner & MW (@modernwest)August 07, 2025
Earlier Thursday, Paramount Network announcedYellowstoneseason 5 part 2 will returnon Sunday, August 25, 2025. Filming is underway in Montana. The announcement did not mention Costner, fueling the notion that his character wouldn’t return for the final episodes. In May 2023, Paramount announced Costner’s departure from the show after the fifth season. However, reports later surfaced that Costner was out of season 5, part 2, because of his commitment toHorizon: An American Saga.
In recent weeks, Costner said he hoped to return to finishYellowstone, tellingPeoplehe would return under the right circumstances. In the end, Costner couldn’t make it work.
WithYellowstonebehind him, Costner turns his attention toward promoting and finishingHorizon: An American Saga.Chapter 1arrives in theaters on June 28, withChapter 2bowing on August 16. Filming onChapter 3has begun, and if all goes well, Costner will complete the saga with a fourth film.
