Summary
Kelly Reilly's recent tease about the ending of Yellowstone suggests that John Dutton's death is highly likely.
The departure of Kevin Costner from Yellowstone has prompted speculation about the show's future, but spinoffs and a possible sequel series will carry on the ever-growing universe. The uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of Yellowstone season 5, including the lack of confirmed filming dates and Costner's commitment to return, further indicates the likelihood of Dutton's demise.
A new hint from Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly suggests that John Dutton's death is becoming more likely as the show's ending approaches. Yellowstone, a modern-day Western created by Taylor Sheridan, has achieved unprecedented success, running for five seasons and spawning numerous spinoffs. The presence of legendary actor Kevin Costner, who portrays the iconic John Dutton, undoubtedly contributed to Yellowstone's initial popularity. However, disagreements behind the scenes between Sheridan and Costner, as well as the latter's focus on his multi-part film project Horizon, led to Costner announcing his departure from Yellowstone.
Consequently, the upcoming second part of Yellowstone season 5 will mark the conclusion of the main series, although a potential sequel series is currently in development (featuring Matthew McConaughey, although this is not confirmed). In truth, Yellowstone has become more than just Costner, thanks to its expanding universe and multiple spinoffs. Even after Costner's departure, the show will continue to grow. The production status of the second part of Yellowstone season 5 remains uncertain, as filming dates have not been confirmed, and Costner has given no assurance of his return for new scenes.
Yellowstone Season 5 Having An Unhappy Ending Makes John Dutton Dying More Likely
Assuming the star returns for Yellowstone's final season, it is highly probable that John Dutton will meet his demise before the show concludes. This outcome has been the intended culmination for Yellowstone over the years, as indicated by the prophecy mentioned in the prequel series 1883, which foretold the Duttons losing the land after seven generations. In an interview with Kelly Reilly, the actress playing Beth Dutton, she revealed uncertainty about the ending of Yellowstone season 5. While she anticipates it to be beautiful and epic, she expressed doubt regarding its happiness.
Considering the increasing likelihood of John Dutton losing the Yellowstone ranch, despite his persistent efforts to retain it, death appears to be the only way he would ever part with it. The ranch holds a complex history of joy and sorrow for the Dutton clan throughout many generations, and John's attachment to it is unwavering. Reilly's comments once again imply that Yellowstone's conclusion will be bittersweet, which aligns with the somewhat tragic endings commonly portrayed in the works of the writer and director, Sheridan.
Should John Dutton Die In Yellowstone Season 5?
There is a possibility that Kevin Costner's character, Dutton, may not survive in Yellowstone season 5 or he may lose the land. However, since the actor is leaving, it seems highly likely that this outcome cannot be avoided. If the planned sequel show still includes the Dutton family and their ownership of Yellowstone, it would be difficult to work around Costner's absence, especially if the show continues for multiple seasons. From a dramatic perspective, it feels fitting for John Dutton to die before Yellowstone comes to an end. The ranch is a significant place where his son and father passed away, so if the character needs to exit, dying on the land would be the most poetic way to do so.