Kevin Costner Seems To Have Some Regrets About Exiting Yellowstone Before the Series Finale

Kevin Costner‘s relationship with Yellowstone is tricky because the show brought him back to superstardom after a lull in his career, but he still had other passion projects on his bucket list. As Horizon: An American Saga became a reality and took the top spot, the 69-year-old actor exited the second half of the Paramount+ series — and now, he may have some regrets about the departure.

Now that two parts of his Western are about to hit the movie theaters this summer, an Us Weekly source is claiming that Costner “has reconsidered his stance on returning to Yellowstone.” He’s open to completing his John Dutton story, but some conditions need to be met before he steps back on set. He would come back if he receives a script he likes and they can agree on the terms,” the insider revealed. “There is significant conflict at the moment, and while he is currently not involved, things could change.”

In mid-May, Costner gave his version of events to Deadline and claimed the production’s ever-changing schedule led to his departure. “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,” he explained. “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.”

With his open schedule aligning with Yellowstone‘s shooting calendar, the Us Weekly source hinted that Costner would love to film a “present-day or flashback scene” for his character. With the show’s scripts “still being revised,” it leaves a possible opening for his return. It also sounds like creator Taylor Sheridan might need him to wrap up the series “to achieve some resolution,” too. The insider added “They’ve been working out a way to do without him, but it’s been difficult. There’s a void in the story without him.”

Costner’s cameo would certainly generate major headlines, and likely lead to strong ratings for the series. It seems silly for the producers and Costner to bypass the opportunity. It’s time to get that script in order, get the green light from Costner, and get that final scene filmed — Yellowstone and John Dutton ride off into the sunset.a