Kevin Costner reacts to ‘Yellowstone’ John Dutton write-off in Season 5, Part 2

• Kevin Costner did not return for “Yellowstone” season five, part two.
• The actor said he “didn’t leave the show” but left due to scheduling conflicts.
• He still hasn’t seen how John Dutton was written off the show.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for “Yellowstone“Season Five, Episode Nine.

Kevin Costner was as surprised by John Dutton’s “Yellowstone” write-off as you were.

The actor spoke about the circumstances of his departure from the show and his reaction to Dutton’s exit on it “SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program.” Costner spoke to Smerconish the day after season five, part two of “Yellowstone” premiered — and revealed he hadn’t even realized the episode was scheduled to air.

“Yellowstone’s” behind-the-scenes drama has attracted as much attention as the on-screen action. After reports began circulating in early 2023 that Costner might be leaving the show—or at least that his shooting time might be limited to season five, part two—Paramount announced in May 2023 that the show’s fifth season would be its last (although it’s TBD if that’s actually the case). Costner confirmed in June 2023 to the lawsuits, amid his divorce from Christine Baumgartner, that he was no longer under contract for the series.

On Monday, Costner told Smerconish that his departure from “Yellowstone” was the result of scheduling conflicts. The actor has been working on his “Horizon” film series, which debuted in May to lackluster reviews.

“I didn’t leave the show,” he said. “There was no, there was just one, you know, everybody has to live up to what they say they’re going to do.”

“Yellowstone” was about Costner’s departure by killing his character, John Dutton, off-screen in season five, episode nine. While it initially appears that he died by suicide, the show reveals that his death was the result of a hit.

Costner told Smerconish that he had not realized that Dutton’s death had been broadcast the night before and that he had not yet seen the episode.

“I’ve heard it’s a suicide, so I don’t want to rush to see it,” Costner said. However, he said the death could have been a “red herring”.

The actor also said he had suggested multiple endings for his character over the course of “Yellowstone,” and told Smerconish he hadn’t been sure he’d stay involved until season five. Dutton’s eventual end to the show was not one of those options, but Costner expressed faith in the show’s direction.

“Whatever they’re doing, they’re going to figure it out,” he said. “But yeah, I had come up with two possible endings since it wouldn’t last as long as it did.”

If you missed the premiere, here it is how to stream “Yellowstone” season 5 part 2.