Actor Kevin Costner has decided to leave the blockbuster TV series "Yellowstone."
After a successful run, Costner cites various production issues and dissatisfaction over rumor-handling as his primary reasons for exiting ahead of Season 5, Fox News reported.
In a detailed Instagram post released Thursday night, Costner shared his experiences and emotional connection with the series, addressing his departure with a personal touch to his substantial fan base. "Hi, everyone. I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon, doing all the things that are required, and thinking about 'Yellowstone,' that beloved series that I love and I know you love. I just realized that I'm not going to be able to continue Season 5 or into the future," he expressed.
Costner, who portrayed John Dutton III for five memorable seasons, mentioned how a 14-month hiatus in the show's production significantly hampered his schedule. This break adversely impacted his ability to pursue other projects, including the docuseries "Yellowstone One-Fifty," commemorating the 150th anniversary of Yellowstone National Park.
He also touched upon frustrations related to script availability, which affected the continuity and quality of the Season 5 episodes. This lack of preparedness from the production team forced a rigid and challenging timetable upon him, especially when juggling multiple professional commitments.
Costner elucidated his discontent with how the production team handled the public speculation surrounding his continued involvement in the series. "I read all the stories. I was disappointed that nobody on their side… ever stepped up to defend what it was I did for them," Costner said. He conveyed his frustrations with the lack of proactive support from the team amidst media rumors.
In an act of compromise, he had proposed a brief return that might allow for a graceful exit for his character despite the demanding schedule of his other commitments. "So, what you read in the end was that I said, 'Well, look, I'm doing my movie. If you want me to work a week because you want to kill me or whatever else, I can give you a week.' I didn't have that week to give them, but I said, I'll do that. And then they [spun that] into, I only wanted to work a week."
Despite the difficulties, Costino's tone remains fond when he remembers the series. "I loved the show. The people on the show. I liked what it was," detailed Costner. His role as John Dutton III not only captivated millions of viewers but also significantly influenced his career and personal perspective.
Furthermore, Costner has expressed immense gratitude toward the audience that has followed the series loyally. "It was something that changed me. I loved it and I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning. I love the relationship that we've been able to develop," he added.
This profound bond with the audience remains a cherished aspect of his journey on "Yellowstone," an experience that resonated deeply with him beyond the screen.
While "Yellowstone" will continue forging its path forward without him, Costner's imminent focus lies on his ongoing project, "Horizon." This new venture symbolizes his continuing evolution in the cinematic landscape, promising his fans an exciting future in filmmaking.
The departure of Kevin Costner from "Yellowstone" marks the end of an era for the series but also heralds a new chapter for the highly regarded actor and producer. Despite leaving the rugged landscapes of Montana behind, his legacy as John Dutton III will inducibly remain a pivotal piece of the show's success.
As fans bid farewell to Costner's iconic character, the anticipation about how "Yellowstone" will adapt to his absence is palpable. With the actor's newfound freedom, his audience eagerly awaits his next cinematic offering, ensuring that his illustrious career continues to thrive beyond the pastures of "Yellowstone."
