Summary

• Kevin Costner reveals that he left Yellowstone in the middle of season 5 because the show's writing and production timeline prevented him from working on any other projects.
• Costner expresses interest in returning as John Dutton "under the right circumstances."
• With filming on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3 now running concurrently with that of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, it's unclear whether scheduling will allow the actor to return.

Former Yellowstone cast for four seasons, Costner departed the show in the middle of season 5.

During a recent appearance on Today, Costner shares an honest explanation regarding why he left Yellowstone in the middle of season 5.

According to Costner, it was due toYellowstone's writing and development process preventing him from working on other projects. Check out the actor's comment below in which he also touches on his possible return as the Dutton family patriarch:

"I did it for five years, and I wanted to work more than once a year. We lost an entire year at one point, and I thought, that can't happen again. It was well over a year. I thought I have to be in a position to make the things. Material has to be ready at certain times, and we weren't able to do that.

"After five years, I thought, I'm not going to do this. If we can get that, we can do that, and I'll do it. I’ve ed that thing and I’ve loved it, it’s been really important to me. I would love to go back under the right circumstances. I think that's what all of us want. At this point, for me, it really needs to be the right circumstances."

Unlike many other modern TV shows, which use writers' rooms, Sheridan personally writes all the Yellowstone scripts himself.

Kevin Costner's Yellowstone Exit Explained

Is It Too Late For John Dutton To Return?

John was a central figure throughout most of the show, making it a surprise when it was announced that Costner wouldn't be returning for Yellowstone season 5 part 2. The star's exit from the show was the subject of many reports and rumors at the time, most of which pointed to something of a breakdown in the relationship between him and Sheridan. Much of this, it was reported, was due to scheduling, with Costner allegedly wanting to spend less time on set.

A major factor at the heart of theYellowstone scheduling issues was Costner's work on Horizon: An American Saga. These movies, which represent a major ion project for Costner that he initially conceived back in 1988, see the actor taking the role of writer, director, producer, and star. A recent post to Costner's Instagram reveals that he has now started filming on Horizon 3 ahead of the release of the first two this summer. If the actor gets his way, a fourth will be coming at some point as well.

With filming on Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 3 now underway, it's unclear whether Costner will be able to return for Yellowstone season 5, part 2. This final batch of episodes of the show reportedly began production in May and, with the two productions running concurrently, the actor might not be able to do both. If John does appear in the final episodes, it might not be much more than a cameo. Costner is clearly open to reprising his role for Yellowstone season 5, part 2, but whether he actually does is another matter entirely.

Source: Today/ X