Kevin Costner has revealed a different vision for the ending of Yellowstone, suggesting the entire Dutton family should have landed in prison rather than escaping consequences. The actor, who played John Dutton, shared his thoughts during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, reflecting on the series' dramatic final season.
The actual conclusion of the fifth season saw the Yellowstone ranch sold off and John Dutton killed off early in the final episodes. Most Duttons, apart from Jamie, avoided any legal repercussions. Costner, however, argued that a more realistic ending would have involved imprisonment, given the family's long list of crimes, including using a remote location known as 'The Train Station' to dispose of bodies.
Costner described Yellowstone as 'a bit of a soap opera,' praising its depiction of modern ranching but criticising its melodramatic elements. This comment may be seen as a subtle dig at the series, given his well-publicised disagreements with creator Taylor Sheridan over scheduling and creative differences. The actor's departure from the show was marked by tension, as he prioritised his Horizon film series during delays caused by strikes.
The soap opera label is not new; Sam Elliott, star of the prequel 1883, previously compared the mother series to Dallas. Despite the criticism, Yellowstone concludes successfully, with multiple spin-offs in development. These include a new Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser-led project, The Madison starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and Y: Marshals debuting in March 2026.
