Kevin Costner Confirms His Yellowstone Fate After Shocking Exit

It’s official: Kevin Costner will not be returning to the Dutton Ranch.

After more than a year of speculation that the actor had walked away from his hit series Yellowstone to focus on other professional projects, Costner finally confirmed he won’t be returning as John Dutton III for part two of the Paramount series’ fifth and final season.

“I just wanted to reach out and let you know that, after this long year-and-a-half of working on Horizon, and doing all the things that that’s required,” the 69-year-old said in a June 20 Instagram video, “and thinking about Yellowstone—that beloved series that I love, that I know you love—I just realized that I am not going to be able to continue season 5-B, or into the future.”

However, the Oscar winner admitted he’s forever grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime role as the patriarch of the fictional Montana ranching family.

“It was something that really changed me,” Costner, who starred on the drama for four and a half seasons from 2018 to 2022, added. “I loved it, and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning.”