Taylor Sheridan Addresses Kevin Costner’s Exit for the First Time, “I’m Disappointed”

CBS Sunday Morning / YouTube

Yellowstone fans have been buzzing with speculation and concern ever since news broke that the Kevin Costner would be bidding farewell to the Paramount series earlier than anticipated. Series creator Taylor Sheridan has finally broken his silence on the matter in an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

When asked about Costner’s departure, Sheridan didn’t shy away from expressing his disappointment. “I’m disappointed,” he confessed to Hollywood Reporter, “It truncates the closure of his character. It doesn’t alter it, but it truncates it.”

What does this mean for the fate of John Dutton? Will he meet a heroic end or be left with unfinished business?

Kevin Costner rides away from the Yellowstone Ranch.
CBS Sunday Morning / YouTube

Taylor Sheridan Opens Up More About Kevin Costner’s Exit

Sheridan was quick to dispel any notions of a major feud between himself and Costner and put to rest any rumors of any behind-the-scenes drama. He revealed that Costner’s exit is all part of the actor’s grand plan for his own Western masterpiece, a four-part film series called Horizon.

“I’ve never had an issue with Kevin that he and I couldn’t work out on the phone,” Sheridan reassured us. “But once lawyers get involved, then people don’t get to talk to each other and start saying things that aren’t true and attempt to shift blame…”

Sheridan dropped a bombshell about a potential spin-off to Yellowstone, and the star who could be leading the charge is none other than the enigmatic Matthew McConaughey. 

Sheridan shared that he and McConaughey had several conversations about the possibility over the years, saying: “He was like, ‘I want to do that.’ And by ‘that’ he meant diving into a raw world clashing up against the modern world. And then I said, ‘Buddy, that we can do.'”

While our hearts may skip a beat at the thought of more Yellowstone goodness, Sheridan hinted that this new McConaughey-led series might be a standalone adventure. Fear not, though, for he assured us that he’s only scratched the surface when it comes to planning. “I only have the broadest strokes,” Sheridan admitted, leaving us to ponder what thrilling tales lie ahead.

As we eagerly await the final episodes of Yellowstone’s current season, let’s not forget the incredible success this show has achieved. The first portion of the final season garnered a staggering 17 million viewers, cementing its status as one of the hottest shows on TV.

For fans concerned about how Yellowstone will end, Sheridan confidently declared, “If I think it takes 10 episodes to wrap it up, they’ll give me 10… It’ll be as long as it needs to be.”

Taylor Sheridan has spoken, shedding light on Costner’s departure, teasing a McConaughey-led spin-off, and hinting at the thrilling climax of Yellowstone’s final season. Stay tuned for more updates as we navigate the untamed world of Yellowstone!

MORE: “Yellowstone” Fan Gets The Iconic “Y” Branded On His Chest

Hear More From Taylor Sheridan In The Video Below

Want to save this article?

Get this sent to your inbox, plus, get new articles & videos from us every week!

Sponsors / Partners


Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info

Unapologetically Country

Receive daily updates with the best country music videos, news, and more!