Kevin Costner Admits To Wanting Yellowstone Season 5 Return But Says It Might Not Happen

Kevin Costner says that he hopes to return for Yellowstone season 5, but is not sure if it will happen. Costner plays the lead role of John Dutton in the popular Western series. In September 2023, it was announced that the actor would officially be leaving Yellowstone, despite having been the main character. Yellowstone season 5 part 2 returns to the small screen in November of this year.

Per ET, Costner speaks on whether he would return to Yellowstone. In his interview, Costner expressed his desire to be able to potentially get back into Yellowstone. He said that he would “like to be able to” get back into Yellowstone but has not been able to yet. He notes that “they’ve got a lot of different shows going on.” He expressed that he would be willing to return to the series if he “feel[s] really comfortable with” the process. Check out the full quote from Costner below:

I’d like to be able to do it but we haven’t been able to. …I thought I was going to make seven [seasons] but right now we’re at five. So how it works out — I hope it does — but they’ve got a lot of different shows going on. Maybe it will. Maybe this will circle back to me. If it does and I feel really comfortable with [it], I’d love to do it.

Evaluating The Chances of a Kevin Costner Yellowstone Return
John Dutton and Thomas Rainwater stand together in front of the ranch house on Yellowstone
Costner’s statement that “they’ve got a lot of different shows going on” is likely in reference to the sheer volume of Yellowstone spinoffs that are currently circulating. This includes the already-released 1883 and 1923, the latter of which has been renewed for a second season. In addition, the Yellowstone team has also announced spinoffs called 2024 and 1944. A spinoff called 6666 has also been proposed, but is currently on hold. So, Costner is right when he assumes that the Yellowstone crew is keeping busy with all the other series.

In addition to the fact that the Yellowstone team has a lot going on, Costner’s return to the series seems somewhat unlikely based on the nature of his departure. Before Costner announced that he was leaving the series, it was reported that he and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan had experienced behind-the-scenes tension. Part of this stemmed down to the number of days Costner was willing to spend shooting for Yellowstone, as he was also working on his Horizon films.

On the one hand, Costner’s Yellowstone return could seem more possible given the Horizon films are much further along in production. While the actor-director is still reportedly raising money for future installments, the releases of Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 and Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 are growing close as they prepare for June and August releases. However, Yellowstone season 5 part 2 is reported to be the last season, limiting Costner’s return opportunities. Still, Costner’s openness is a good sign that there is an outside chance John Dutton will return for the end of Yellowstone season 5.