The 69-year-old actor shares his disappointment over how rumors about his departure from the Paramount drama were handled and reveals his feelings about a possible return.
- Jun 20, 2024
AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner has spoken out against rumors that his exit from Taylor Sheridan's Paramount drama "Yellowstone" was driven by ego clashes behind the scenes. "I loved the show," Costner told PEOPLE. "I liked the people on the show. I liked what it was about. I love that world."
Costner originated the role of patriarch John Dutton for five seasons before rumors emerged that he intended to leave. Many speculated that he was making way for his new project, "Horizon: An American Saga".
Costner explained that the show was initially pitched as a one-season "long movie." However, due to Sheridan's prolific writing, it was extended into an ongoing series. Costner agreed to play Dutton for three seasons, eventually completing five. While he was initially willing to continue, he said the production timeline was uncertain.
During a 14-month hiatus, Costner felt he could have pursued other projects if he had known about the delay.
As rumors of his departure spread, Costner was disappointed that no one defended his contributions to the show. "I read all the stories," he said. "I was disappointed that nobody on their side... ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them."
Despite the drama, Costner still has positive things to say about "Yellowstone". He praised Sheridan's writing and the show's ability to effectively combine modern-day ranching with other types of drama.
Costner also acknowledged the possibility of returning to finish the "Yellowstone" saga, but only if the script meets his expectations. "I've always felt that... It might be an interesting moment to come back and finish the mythology of this modern-day family," he said. "And if that happens, I would step into it if I agreed with how it was being done."
