Sophia Michaels
He’s probably going to be coming back for some more seasons.
Image Source: Photo by Mike Marsland / WireImage
Is “Yellowstone” ending? Fans of the beloved Paramount Network series have been fearful the end of the Montana-set drama is near, all thanks to a report published by Deadline on Feb. 6. The outlet reported that series cocreator and showrunner Taylor Sheridan and Paramount Network are moving toward concluding the show in its current form. But, the outlet added, there would be a “franchise extension” that would keep the story of the Dutton family going, with Matthew McConaughey joining the show as the new star.
Deadline said it was unclear which members of the current cast would carry over to the potential new series. Kevin Costner, who currently stars as John Dutton III, would also be leaving, the publication claimed. Paramount, however, denied the report to Deadline and in a statement to POPSUGAR. “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of ‘Yellowstone’ and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come,” a spokesperson told POPSUGAR. “Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner.”
Yet, in an interview published on March 28 by The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount head Chris McCarthy did shed some light on the future of “Yellowstone.” He confirmed the McConaughey spinoff is happening. He added of Costner that the original “Yellowstone” “wouldn’t be what it is today without Kevin and we hope that that stays for a long time to come.”
Now, on May 3, it seems that the end is, in fact, near for John Dutton. Entertainment Tonight reported that production sources confirmed to the outlet that Costner won’t return to the series after season five. Further, there’s no set timeline for a return to filming the rest of season five’s episodes, a source said to the outlet. Reps for Costner and Paramount did not immediately respond to POPSUGAR’s request for comment.
The second half of “Yellowstone”‘s fifth season was set to premiere on Paramount Network this summer, but actor and singer Lainey Wilson and Ian Bohen confirmed to ET on April 2 that the second half of the season hadn’t started filming.
For his part, Sheridan continues to have a strong relationship with Paramount and has already expanded the “Yellowstone” universe with two prequel series — “1883” and “1923” — for Paramount+. “1923,” which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, has been renewed for season two.
Sheridan has also created other shows for Paramount+, including “Mayor of Kingstown,” and “Tulsa King.” He’s behind two additional upcoming series for the streamer, as well: “Lioness” starring Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, and “Bass Reeves,” starring David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid. “Bass Reeves” is an offshoot of “1883.” McCarthy told THR that Sheridan has over 10 projects in various stages with the company. So even if “Yellowstone” proper ends, there will still be many more shows like it to come.
Is Kevin Costner Leaving “Yellowstone?”
Deadline previously reported that Costner’s issue lies with his filming schedule. The actor had allegedly limited himself to 65 days of shooting for the first part of the fifth season, but he only wanted to film for 50. For part two of the season, Deadline said he allegedly only wanted to spend one week shooting, which has caused issues. Costner has not commented on the report and has not addressed the new ET source quotes confirming that he will not star on the show following season five.
The series also stars Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham. Costner won a Golden Globe for his performance on the show back in January.
Is Matthew McConaughey Joining “Yellowstone?”
McConaughey is getting his own “Yellowstone” spinoff. It seems that, like the original series, it will take place in the present day. No other details about it are known just yet.
