Hollywood icon Kevin Costner has revealed that his own vision for concluding the blockbuster drama Yellowstone was dramatically at odds with the fate that ultimately befell the Dutton family.
A Soap Opera Deserving of Prison
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, the actor, who portrayed patriarch John Dutton, described the Paramount Network series as a "bit of a soap opera". He candidly suggested that, given their actions, the logical conclusion for the family would have seen them behind bars. "They should all be in prison," Costner stated, hinting at a far more realistic and punitive ending for the morally ambiguous characters.
This starkly contrasts with the actual narrative, where John Dutton was killed off at the start of the delayed second half of season five, leaving his children to continue his legacy. Costner's departure in the middle of that final season fundamentally altered the show's trajectory.
Creative Divergence and Dallas Comparisons
It remains unknown whether series creator Taylor Sheridan would have adopted Costner's proposed finale had the star remained. The actor's exit was reportedly influenced by his view of the show's direction. On Marc Maron's WTF Podcast, Costner previously complained that the series had become "too much like f***ing Dallas", referencing the classic American television soap opera.
This critique highlights a creative divergence. While many fans enjoyed the melodramatic twists, Costner seemingly believed the characters of John, Beth, Kayce, and Jamie Dutton warranted more serious, grounded consequences for their numerous crimes and vendettas.
The Yellowstone Universe Expands Without Him
Despite the main series concluding, the Dutton saga is far from over. The franchise is charging ahead with multiple spin-offs. Luke Grimes will reprise his role as Kayce Dutton in 'Marshals', while Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser return as Beth and Rip in 'The Dutton Ranch'.
Furthermore, a new spin-off titled 'The Madison', starring Michelle Pfeiffer as a wealthy New Yorker relocating to Montana, is slated to premiere later this year. Remarkably, a second series has already been filmed ahead of the first season's debut.
Since leaving Yellowstone, Kevin Costner has focused on his passion project, the multi-part Western epic 'Horizon'. However, the venture has faced challenges; Warner Bros indefinitely postponed the release of the second chapter following the underwhelming box office performance of the first instalment.
For UK fans wishing to revisit the original drama, all seasons of Yellowstone are available to stream on Paramount+.
