Exclusive: Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Filming Update Revealed - A Game Changer for Kevin Costner's Return & Epic Season Finale!
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2's filming delay holds potential for a satisfying conclusion and hints at Kevin Costner's return Find out the latest on the show's status and the anticipation surrounding it
Summary
The filming delay of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, caused by the strikes, could actually turn out to be a fortunate turn of events. This unexpected break provides the producers and writers with a valuable opportunity to carefully contemplate Kevin Costner's potential return or strategize on how to conclude the series in the absence of his character.
Once the strikes are resolved, the cast and crew can proceed with filming and completing part 2, eagerly anticipating the revelation of the characters' fates and the fate of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Although Kevin Costner's contract with Yellowstone has expired, his future participation in the final six episodes remains uncertain. However, the postponed filming allows for both sides to take a breather and potentially negotiate to craft the optimal conclusion for the series.
Kevin Costner's departure from Yellowstone after the fifth season surprised fans, as did the announcement that the popular contemporary Western drama series would end with season 5. Speculations arose about the reason for Costner's departure and rumors of drama behind the scenes. However, production on the fifth season was halted in 2023 due to strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
Despite the airing of Yellowstone season 5, part 1, the filming for part 2 and the final episodes has not yet begun due to the ongoing strikes. The production is handled by MTV Entertainment Studios, a subsidiary of Paramount Global, which is represented by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), the trade association with which the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are at odds. As a result, the Yellowstone cast and crew are unable to continue production during the strikes, though this may be seen as a fortunate circumstance for now.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2's Filming Delay Could Save The Show's Ending
Due to the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the premiere of part 2 of Yellowstone season 5 is likely to be delayed. Originally set for late 2023, the strike has caused uncertainty and it is unclear when it will end. While fans are eager to see the next chapter of the Dutton family's story after the conclusion of part 1, a production delay could work in favor of the Paramount Network series as it nears its final episodes.
Leaked court documents in July 2023 revealed that Kevin Costner's contract for Yellowstone had already expired. This news concerned fans as filming for the second part of season 5 was yet to take place. According to Costner, since he is no longer under contract, his potential earnings from the show would only be from his unconfirmed back-end contractual participation rights. Additionally, a producer on the show informed him that he is not owed any money, which gives Costner little reason to return for the final six episodes.
The extended hiatus between the first and second parts of Yellowstone season 5 allows for a period of reflection and potential reconciliation between Costner and the producers in order to find a satisfactory conclusion for John Dutton's story and the overall show. It is important to note that the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike prohibits contract negotiations at this time. However, the delay in filming for Yellowstone season 5, part 2, provides the producers and writers with additional time to address the predicament involving Costner. They can explore options such as devising incentives for his return or determining a way to conclude the series without his integral character.
What We Know About Kevin Costner's Yellowstone Status
Once the strikes are over, the cast and crew will be able to resume filming and completing production on part 2 of Yellowstone season 5. This will provide fans with the answers they seek regarding the fate of the characters and the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. However, the burning question remains whether or not Kevin Costner will be involved in the final six episodes. Given that his character, John Dutton III, has been a pivotal part of the Paramount Network television series from the very beginning, it would be a disservice to the show's narrative if he were not somehow included in its conclusion. Unfortunately, there is currently sparse information available about Costner's return or departure from Yellowstone season 5 due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.
The recent update from Costner's divorce court papers confirmed that his contract for the modern Western drama TV series has ended, as mentioned earlier. This means that there are doubts about his return for the second half of season 5. However, the delay in filming could actually be an opportunity in disguise. It provides Costner and the producers with extra time to carefully consider their next moves and ensure that Yellowstone delivers an exceptional series finale.
