Kevin Costner makes his Yellowstone exit official

While, at this point, we all kind of knew that Costners John Dutton IIIthe patriarch that spawned a million spinoffswouldnt be returning for one last ride, it wasnt made official until this week. Kevin Costner's attorney would like to inform you the star is not a jerk CC Share Subtitles Off English view video Kevin Costner's attorney would like to inform you the star is not a jerk I just wanted to reach out and let you know that after this long yearandahalf of working on Horizon, and doing all the things that thats required, and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you loveI just realized that Im not going to be able to continue season 5B or into the future, Costner shared in a video posted on social media last night. It was something that really changed me, he continued. I loved it and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I wont be returning. I love the relationships that Ive been able to develop. And Ill see you at the movies. While to the uninitiated, it may seem odd for a major actor to drop out of a show midseason, this is hardly how Yellowstone season five can be quantified, even if its technically true. The first eight episodes of the season aired in 2022 (with the last premiering on January 1, 2023) and then... nothing. Due to the strikes and a series of other writing delays, it seemed unlikely that season 5B would happen at all, until Paramount went ahead and announced a November 10 premiere date yesterday, hours before Costner posted his own statement. Theres also the little fact that Costner now has a massive, multipart Western epic of his own to promote. Horizon An American SagaChapter 1which Costner wrote, directed, and stars inhad its premiere at this years Cannes Film Festival, and opens for the rest of the world on June 28. Thats not all Costner has on his plate right now. Horizon An American SagaChapter 2, which the actordirector has already completed, follows in close succession this August. Then theres the matters of Chapters 3 and 4, which are still in the pipeline. Costner and Yellowstone creator, Taylor Sheridan, have also been squabbling in the press for over a year now, so it seems like this move is probably best for everyone.