5 Jaw-Dropping Scenarios if Yellowstone Season 5 Drops Kevin Costner

Despite being considered the heart of Yellowstone by many, Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton, may not make a return for the end scene of his beloved role. This raises concerns about how the patriarch's story will conclude without Costner. Yellowstone revolves around the events at Dutton Ranch, the largest continuous ranch in the United States, and the various political and social conflicts associated with it. The show has aired for four and a half seasons, with the second half of season 5 expected to premiere in late 2023.

In early May 2023, Kevin Costner announced his departure from Yellowstone. It was revealed that Costner would leave the series after the completion of season 5, which has not yet been filmed. However, in July 2023, statements made by Costner in court documents from his divorce indicated that he is no longer obligated to the series. He also mentioned that his earnings from Yellowstone in 2023 will only come from his contractual participation rights. These statements suggest a preexisting disconnect between Costner and the show and suggest that he may not return for the second half of season 5 at all.

10 Yellowstone Kills Kevin Costner's John Dutton Off-Screen

9 Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Uses A Time Skip

One possible solution to resolve the issue of Yellowstone's end and Kevin Costner's departure from the show is to discreetly eliminate John Dutton from the storyline. While it may be a melancholic fate for the rancher, it would provide a convenient way to conclude his narrative arc without Kevin Costner's presence. The first part of Yellowstone season 5 concludes with unresolved tensions, as Jamie prepares to bring down John and Rip plans to depart for Texas. Given this backdrop of conflict, it is plausible for the show to revisit this period of discord and completely transform the narrative trajectory with John's untimely demise. Not only would his passing resolve the challenge posed by Kevin Costner's absence, but it could also usher in a fresh and unexplored direction for the show.

To add an intriguing twist, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 could commence with a clever time leap. Instead of continuing immediately from the previous episode, the series could fast forward several months or even a year, revealing a changed landscape. This would enable John to be anywhere, possibly out of sight without necessitating a comprehensive explanation. An opportune moment for the jump would likely coincide with Rip's return from Texas. Regardless, a time skip would open up numerous possibilities for John's future, eliminating the necessity of his demise.

8 Yellowstone Uses CGI To Create A John Dutton Ending Scene

7 Yellowstone Puts John Dutton In An Off-Screen Hospital

Similar to an off-screen death, utilizing CGI is a common solution for replacing a missing cast member. If Kevin Costner were to depart from John Dutton's narrative without closure, the show could employ a body double and employ CGI to craft a final scene for the character. Given Costner's pivotal role in the series, incorporating his likeness into the scene wouldn't pose much difficulty and could even achieve a hyper-realistic effect given the advancements in technology. Although it wouldn't be the same as having Costner physically present, it would certainly resolve the issue effectively.

In a continuation of the storyline involving the demise of John Dutton, Yellowstone could introduce a twist by placing him in the hospital instead. The second half of Season 5 could potentially begin with an off-screen health crisis, which serves as a catalyst for the latest chapter. By taking this route, John would not be physically present in the scenes, but his presence would still be felt throughout the season due to his deteriorating health and its impact on his family and acquaintances. Ideally, his eventual fate could be conveyed through dialogue, eliminating the need for him to make a physical appearance. This would ensure that John remains incapacitated but not deceased.

6 Yellowstone Ends John Dutton’s Story Through Phone Calls

Yellowstone season 5 may not feature the beloved character John Dutton, but his presence could still be felt through his voice. In a scenario where John Dutton continues to exist in the series and remains in good health, albeit off-screen, his storyline could be wrapped up through a series of phone conversations. To achieve this, the show could either utilize previously recorded clips of Kevin Costner's voice from his previous works, apply technological enhancements to modify the voice, or even cast a talented voice actor as a double. This approach would likely be the closest Yellowstone could get to incorporating Costner's character without physically having him present, and it could potentially provide a sentimental and touching narrative avenue for the series.

5 Yellowstone Sends John Dutton On A Trip

If John Dutton is absent in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, does not indicate ill-health or demise, then where could he possibly be? John Dutton might embark on an extended journey. This speculation does not seem far-fetched considering John's occupation, and it also presents an opportunity for the character to distance himself from the pressures of the family business and contemplate retirement. Although it may not be the most dramatic exit, it remains a plausible choice that allows John to have a conclusive ending without relying on his actor's presence. If John is preoccupied with matters across the country, his on-screen appearance may not be necessary.

4 Yellowstone Ends John Dutton’s Story In The Past With A Younger Actor

Yellowstone has been known to venture into the distant past to shed light on certain aspects, and this particular technique could prove invaluable in bringing John Dutton's story to a satisfying conclusion. Just like the show previously delved into Rip's history, the second half of season 5 could follow suit by delving into John's past and concluding his journey. Introducing a young actor to portray Costner's character in a new timeline would simultaneously tie up John Dutton's narrative without the presence of Kevin Costner, while also bringing forth a deeper understanding of his character that has remained untapped thus far.

3 Yellowstone Uses Flashbacks To Keep John Dutton In Season 5

Similarly, incorporating flashbacks from previous seasons of Yellowstone could serve as a fitting conclusion to John Dutton's storyline. While it may lack the novelty of new material featuring Costner, it would still provide valuable context and maintain the essence of the character throughout the remainder of the season. These flashbacks could not only serve as closure for John, but also offer insightful reflections on the narratives and character arcs of other individuals. In essence, this narrative device would bring John's journey full circle and evoke a sense of nostalgia for the beloved character he brought to life.

2 Yellowstone Introduces Matthew McConaughey To Distract From John Dutton’s Absence

1 Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Focuses Heavily On Other Main Characters

Although perhaps not the optimal solution, Yellowstone has the option to shift focus away from John and redirect it towards other key characters. While Costner serves as the show's patriarch, a remarkable ensemble has been crafted throughout the past five seasons, ensuring that Yellowstone can endure the departure of Kevin Costner. Specifically, Beth possesses a strong and endearing presence that could seamlessly assume the gruff archetype previously embodied by John. While Costner's absence would naturally raise questions, the series could forge ahead with other storylines, hopeful that the void left behind won't be too glaringly apparent.