For years, there have been rumors about a Yellowstone spin-off and a sequel with Matthew McConaughey joining the cast after Kevin Costner’s departure in season five. Now, according to a report from Matthew Belloni at Puck, Paramount might actually continue Yellowstone for a sixth season.
Just last week, the network announced a new series called The Madisons, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox from Lost. This announcement has raised more questions about Yellowstone’s future. With all these changes, anything seems possible—maybe even a return for Kevin Costner.
Will there be a sixth season of Yellowstone?
Yes, it seems so! The network is now looking into bringing back some of the Yellowstone cast members (though not Kevin Costner) for a second season. Additionally, they are reportedly working on another prequel spin-off series, this one set in 1944.
What about Kevin Costner’s return?
The continuation of Yellowstone beyond Season 5B, which premieres in November 2024, adds complexity to the rumored feud between creator Taylor Sheridan and star Kevin Costner. The series was initially meant to end without Costner’s character, John Dutton, and wrap up the Dutton family saga by this year.
The final six episodes of Yellowstone will air on Sunday, November 10, 2024, giving fans a chance to see how the Dutton Ranch storyline concludes and what happens to the Dutton family. Since its debut in 2018, the show has captivated audiences with the drama surrounding widower John Dutton and his sons as they face land disputes and political challenges.
However, the drama behind the scenes has been just as compelling, especially regarding Costner’s involvement in the series finale. His exit from Yellowstone has sparked much speculation, particularly about his feud with Sheridan.
In the midseason finale of Season 5, “A Knife and No Coin,” viewers saw John’s estranged son Jamie (Wes Bentley) uncover a dark family secret and call for his father’s impeachment after John won the Montana gubernatorial race.
The decision to end Yellowstone was influenced by several factors, including Costner’s commitment to other projects. While some speculated that salary disagreements or Costner’s focus on his Western film series Horizon: An American Saga caused the tension, the real issue was the time commitment and creative differences.
In June 2024, Costner explained to People that he originally signed on for just one season, but as the show’s success grew, his involvement extended to three and then five seasons. However, delays in writing the series and the writer’s strike ultimately led him to pursue other work.
Will Kevin Costner Ever Return to Yellowstone?
Kevin Costner hasn’t completely ruled out returning as John Dutton in the future. He mentioned that if the opportunity arises and he agrees with how it’s being done, he would consider stepping back into the role.
The first part of Yellowstone Season 5 (episodes 1-8) aired in November 2022, and the second part (episodes 9-14) is set to premiere on November 10, 2024. Costner expressed that he enjoyed working on the show, liked the people involved, and appreciated the world of Yellowstone.
While fans were disappointed to hear that Costner was leaving the series after filming conflicts, he explained that the time commitment of directing and starring in the movie Horizon prevented him from continuing with Yellowstone. The show has been on hold since January 2023, as it was unclear if Costner would return, and the release date for the next episodes wasn’t set until June 2024.
As for the future of the show, there is still curiosity surrounding whether Yellowstone will continue beyond Season 5. Though it was initially rumored to air in December 2023, the 2023 writers’ strike delayed the release. Fans are eager to see how the show will proceed after the conclusion of the Dutton family saga.
Will there be a Yellowstone season 6?
The short answer is: no, Yellowstone will not continue with Kevin Costner as John Dutton. The longer answer is: while Costner’s departure marks the end of his time on the show, it doesn’t signal the end of the Yellowstone story. The franchise will continue, but likely without the original series or its main character.
Yellowstone remains successful in the ratings, helping to solidify creator Taylor Sheridan’s place as a major force in TV, and leading to the expansion of the Yellowstone universe with more spin-offs. One such spin-off, which may star Matthew McConaughey, is currently in production. This spin-off is set to move forward regardless of Costner’s involvement, as previously reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
While no one will officially replace Costner as John Dutton, McConaughey is expected to lead the franchise in a new role, though details about his character are still under wraps.
Are Other Actors Leaving Too?
Thankfully, Kevin Costner’s drama with Paramount hasn’t affected all of his Yellowstone co-stars. While it’s still unclear which actors will be joining Matthew McConaughey in the upcoming spin-off, several big names are expected to be part of the project.
This means that while actors like Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Jill Birmingham, and Wes Bentley may not return for Yellowstone Season 6, they could still appear in a different continuation of the same story within the Yellowstone universe.
Why Won’t Be a Yellowstone There Season 6 Without Kevin Costner?
Kevin Costner has confirmed that he’s done with Yellowstone, and while the show will wrap up its final season without him, he will not continue beyond the end of Season 5. The highly popular Western already aired the first half of Season 5 in 2022, but the remaining episodes have been delayed due to tensions from the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, involving a network of artists and producers.
Paramount recently announced that the final episodes will air in November 2024, but Costner quickly revealed that he would not be part of them. His exit is expected to have a significant impact on the remaining storyline of Yellowstone, leaving fans disappointed and dashing hopes for a potential sixth season.
Will there be a Yellowstone season 6?
The short answer is: no, Yellowstone won’t continue with Kevin Costner. The long answer is: while the show’s success has allowed creator Taylor Sheridan to expand the Yellowstone franchise, the main series will wrap up with Season 5.
Despite Costner’s departure, there are plans to expand into more spin-offs, including one that may star Matthew McConaughey, which is currently in production. This spin-off will move forward regardless of Costner’s involvement in the original series, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Costner will not be replaced, meaning no one else will take on the role of John Dutton III.
Are other actors leaving as well?
As the Yellowstone universe expands, actors like Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Jill Birmingham, and Wes Bentley may not appear in Season 6 of the main series but could potentially join a different continuation of the Dutton family saga.
The Yellowstone Ranch, where the Dutton family has lived since the late 1800s, is central to the story, especially to John Dutton III, portrayed by Kevin Costner. John’s deep connection to the land often takes precedence over his relationships with his children, showing how the land’s legacy is intertwined with the family’s.
The broader Yellowstone cinematic universe explores this legacy across multiple generations, showcasing how the land’s story is shaped by those who care for it. The prequels, such as 1883 and 1923, offer insight into the Dutton family’s past.
In 1883, starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, the Duttons face tragedy and hardship as they stake a claim in the wilderness. 1923 features Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Dutton ancestors Jacob and Cara Dutton, dealing with the challenges of the early 20th century, including drought, disease, and violence.
As the Dutton family saga unfolds across time, the themes of trauma, tradition, and legacy are explored, with the narrative weaving through the generations. The full Dutton family tree hasn’t yet been officially revealed in the Yellowstone universe, so much of what’s known is based on speculation from the show’s content. However, the family’s complex history plays a crucial role in understanding the power dynamics and relationships that define the Duttons, both past and present.
