The Unforgettable Twist: Yellowstone's Mind-Blowing Finale Revealed Without Kevin Costner

Summary

Kevin Costner's contract with Yellowstone has ended, leading to speculation that he may not return for Season 5, Part 2.

The show has the potential to create a dramatic and epic ending by potentially killing off John Dutton off-screen, even without Costner's presence.

Alternatively, John Dutton could choose to leave the ranch altogether, sacrificing his own comfort in order to protect it from the conflicts caused by his children.

Kevin Costner, the lead actor in Taylor Sheridan's popular neo-Western series Yellowstone, has completed his contract and is unlikely to return for future seasons. As a result, the show's cast has dropped hints about how the series will wrap up without its star. The latest installment, Yellowstone season 5, part 1, premiered at the end of 2022, with a second part planned for the future. Unfortunately, due to the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, the series finale has been delayed, leaving many unanswered questions about its conclusion.

Since Yellowstone season 5, part 2 has not yet been written, the possibilities for the show's ending are wide open. However, the next part will need to continue where part 1 left off. Conflict is brewing between siblings Jamie and Beth, as Jamie aims to remove their father John from office and both siblings plot each other's demise. Flashbacks reveal the former glory of Dutton Ranch, which stands in stark contrast to its current decline. Kayce and Monica may be the Dutton family's last hope, but their willingness to step up remains uncertain. Ultimately, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 will bring these pessimistic times to their final resolution.

7 Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 May Not Feature John Dutton

There is uncertainty surrounding whether Kevin Costner will return as John Dutton in the second part of Yellowstone season 5. Currently, it appears that he will not be returning. Costner had already planned to leave Yellowstone after season 5, but due to production delays, it seems that his contract has expired before the series' conclusion. Costner has mostly remained silent on the matter, with information mainly coming from court documents related to his divorce. In these documents, Costner mentioned that he would be earning significantly less from Yellowstone in 2023 compared to 2022.

In a recent report by Deadline, it was revealed that Costner has spoken out about his exit from Yellowstone and indicated that he may take legal action. It appears that Costner was promised two more seasons of the show, but this agreement never materialized, resulting in the end of his contract. Despite ongoing controversies and claims, it is highly likely that Kevin Costner will not appear in the second part of Yellowstone season 5.

6 Kevin Costner's Exit Means John Dutton Could Die Off-Screen

When considering Yellowstone's ending without Kevin Costner, the prevailing belief is that the series will likely choose to have his character killed off-screen. This solution is frequently suggested and surprisingly appears to be the most favorable option. Ending a series without its main actor can present a difficult situation, and it needs to be handled carefully. This is particularly true for Yellowstone, where John Dutton is just as crucial to the show as Kevin Costner is to the series. Consequently, giving John Dutton a grand and dramatic conclusion seems to be the ideal approach.

However, it is important to acknowledge that John Dutton's death will inevitably be a distressing event, and without Kevin Costner able to enact this pivotal moment himself, it may feel lacking in emotional impact. Poor execution could result in the suddenness of his off-screen death appearing contrived or his absence detracting from the significance of the scene. On the whole, there are undoubtedly pros and cons to killing off John Dutton in the second part of Yellowstone season 5. Ultimately, this seems to be merely one of many potential paths that Taylor Sheridan could take with this final chapter.

5 John Dutton Could Be Absent From Yellowstone To Protect The Ranch

The alternative solution to Kevin Costner's departure from the show is having John Dutton depart from the ranch entirely. In an interview with Insider, Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, implied that the ending of Yellowstone may not be a happy one. This could suggest the possibility of John Dutton dying, or it could simply mean him leaving his ranch, causing the family to be separated. Reilly also emphasized that the main theme of the show revolves around protecting and preserving a certain way of life and the land it encompasses. Perhaps, in order to safeguard his ranch, John Dutton has no choice but to leave it.

Although not as tragic as death, John's departure from Dutton Ranch still holds significance as a storyline. While Kevin Costner may no longer be part of the show, the creators can craft a compelling narrative where John sacrifices his own comfort for the betterment of the ranch. By leaving, he assumes the role of the active and dedicated leader depicted in flashbacks, focusing solely on his home instead of family conflicts or political matters. This storyline could provide an explanation for Costner's absence and portray him as a hero in the end.

4 John Dutton May Kill Or Be Killed By His Children In Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

With tensions between Jamie and Beth escalating, a more intense and violent ending for John Dutton on Yellowstone could be a possibility. Wes Bentley, the actor portraying Jamie Dutton, shared his thoughts with TVLine, suggesting that the second part of Yellowstone season 5 could culminate in a "crazy bloodbath." He pointed out that after the restrained buildup in the first half of the season, it would be logical for all the tensions to erupt into violence. While it would make sense for this "bloodbath" to involve Jamie and Beth, there is also the potential for John to be drawn into it.

Alternatively, Yellowstone could take a different route by having John killed off-screen, in connection to the rivalry between his children. Both Jamie and Beth have shown a willingness to eliminate each other, and Jamie's intentions to remove John from office make the conflict personal for him as well. One possibility is that Costner's departure could be explained through a clandestine confrontation involving the three Duttons. Another scenario could be John purposely putting himself in harm's way to prevent his children's deaths in season 5. Overall, the escalating conflict provides a fitting cover for Kevin Costner's exit.

3 Rip And Beth Could Take Over Dutton Ranch In John's Absence

2 John Dutton's Death May Send Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Into Chaos

: One potential replacement for Kevin Costner's character in Yellowstone is Rip, played by Cole Hauser. Rip has become a beloved figure among fans due to his tough exterior, unwavering dedication to the ranch, and the captivating narrative of his relationship with Beth. Instead of solely focusing on John Dutton's absence, the show could shift its focus towards Rip and his rise to prominence. This wouldn't be out of place, considering that the first part of Yellowstone season 5 delved deep into Rip's backstory. In many ways, the series has been laying the groundwork for Rip to become a leader, and Costner's departure could make this a reality. As a result, the show could address John's absence, but ultimately emphasize Rip's new role as the leader of Dutton Ranch.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wes Bentley expressed his anticipation for the unexpected in Yellowstone due to its immense popularity. A possibility for the show's ending is that Taylor Sheridan might introduce chaos, reminiscent of Succession, where the Dutton siblings engage in a gripping battle to determine the future of the ranch following John Dutton's demise. Bentley and Reilly foresaw a potentially brutal Yellowstone finale, filled with numerous plot twists to compensate for Costner's departure.

1 Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Could Give John Dutton A Quick Ending

One alternative scenario for Yellowstone without John Dutton could be a swift and uncomplicated departure. Given the controversy surrounding Costner's exit, it might be appropriate for the series to bid farewell to his character in a straightforward manner, addressing any lingering questions and clearing the path for the main storyline. This could be accomplished by providing a vague explanation for his absence. Although this approach may not be well-received by audiences, it has the potential to swiftly resolve the drama and speculation, allowing Yellowstone to thrive without Costner. In summary, this would be the fastest and most daring option to pursue.