Kevin Costner's John Dutton III has been the cornerstone of the Dutton family, led by John, in the present day. They own the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana, causing them to encounter drama and conflict from every angle. John has served as the family's patriarch throughout Yellowstone's five seasons, but someone will have to step up in season 5, part 2.

Reports claim that Yellowstone might return for a sixth season, but as of the writing of this article, Paramount hasn't validated these rumors.

As some may recall, the finale of Yellowstone season 5, part 1 ended with Jamie Dutton, John's son, filing articles of impeachment against Costner's character. John was elected the Governor of Montana during the season 5 premiere, and Jamie was sick of his father's actions. So, heading into Yellowstone season 5, part 2, John was supposed to face the ire of his son and the possibility of getting kicked out of his political office. Unfortunately, real-world factors undoubtedly changed that storyline.

Kevin Costner Did Not Return For Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

Costner Exited The Show Ahead Of The Release Of Season 5, Part 2

In May 2023, a few months following the season 5, part 1 finale, Paramount disclosed that Kevin Costner would leave Yellowstone ahead of season 5, part 2. Consequently, the actor won't reprise his role as John Dutton III in the show's last set of episodes. Several factors contributed to Costner's exit, including rumored behind-the-scenes drama between Costner and Taylor Sheridan, scheduling conflicts, pay disputes, and creative differences. Yellowstone takes a long time to film, and Costner seemingly wanted more time to work on other projects (like Horizon: An American Saga).

While speaking to Deadline in May 2024, Costner touched on his exit from Yellowstone. From the actor's perspective, it all essentially came down to failed contract negotiations between himself and the network. Costner explained:

"I made a contract for seasons five, six, and seven. In February, after a two- or three-month negotiation, they made another contract. They wanted to redo that one, and instead of seasons six and seven, it was 5A and 5B, and maybe we'll do six. They weren't able to make those. Horizon was set in the middle, but Yellowstone was first position. I fit [Horizon] into the gaps. They just kept moving their gaps."

How Can John Dutton III's Appear In Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2

Costner Appears In The Trailer

Despite Kevin Costner not filming any new scenes as John Dutton III, there's a chance the character could appear in the show's last set of episodes. Many shots of Costner's John are shown in the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 trailer, indicating he's still very much involved in the neo-Western drama's story. The episodes could feature flashbacks featuring John or unused footage from the past six years. Whatever the case, Costner's presence will undoubtedly be felt in Yellowstone season 5, part 2.

Source: Deadline