The premiere of Kevin Costner won't reprise his role as John Dutton III in the episodes, the Paramount Network still included him in the trailer. Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western drama will finally return in late 2024, meaning fans will soon learn what happens next for the Dutton family. Unfortunately, Costner isn't scheduled to appear in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, as the actor made his controversial exit from the Paramount TV series in 2023 before production began.

Reports claim that Kelly Reilly and Cole Ha are in talks to reprise their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, respectively, in Yellowstone season 6, even though the Paramount Network series was set to end after season 5, part 2.

Costner has been the face of Yellowstone since its debut on June 20, 2018. So, his exit came as a shock to many. Nevertheless, the show must go on, and the cast of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, pushed on to film (what was supposed to be) the neo-Western drama's story's ending without Costner. Despite John Dutton's expected absence in the episodes, Costner's character can be seen in season 5, part 2's first teaser trailer, suggesting his presence will still be felt.

Kevin Costner's John Dutton Is Still Important To Yellowstone Season 5's Marketing

Costner Has Always Been The Face Of Yellowstone

The Paramount Network released the first trailer for Yellowstone season 5, part 2, just a couple of months before its premiere on November 10. Although the video is short, it still takes the time to include a face the audience won't see in the episodes — Kevin Costner as John Dutton III. As a result, it's clear that the network is aware that Costner's image is still integral to marketing Yellowstone season 5, part 2. The actor played a significant role in the neo-Western drama's success, and it just makes sense to include Costner in the previews, regardless of his involvement.

The Yellowstone season 5, part 2 trailer begins with Costner's character commenting on having a legacy, which is fitting given John Dutton's legacy will undoubtedly run throughout the episodes. Dutton says, "Legacy. You build something worth havin'. Someone's gonna try to take it." However, aside from Costner's brief words and appearance at the start of the trailer, most of the video includes footage of other of the Dutton family. Kayce, Jamie, Beth, and Rip are all seen in the trailer and tease their storylines.

Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Needs To Address Kevin Costner's Absence

Fans Will Finally Know John Dutton's Fate In November

Since Kevin Costner isn't reprising his role as John Dutton III in Yellowstone season 5, part 2, the writers need to explain why his character isn't in Montana when the episodes premiere. John is undoubtedly one of the Paramount Network TV show's most important figures. So, his absence will be quite noticeable. Taylor Sheridan and his team can't just glaze over Costner's disappearance with one off-hand comment or a predictable and brief excuse (like John died and now everyone has to quickly move on to focus on other stories).

Killing John [Dutton III] off is ittedly an easy way out for the Yellowstone writers, but it is a plausible one that would make sense (if handled correctly).

Whatever the case, John deserves a proper exit and an ending in Yellowstone season 5, part 2 (even without Costner). It would be frustrating if the episodes didn't spend a decent amount of time explaining what happened to Costner's character and why he is no longer around. Of course, Yellowstone season 5, part 2's story shouldn't excessively linger on the topic. There needs to be a good balance that gives John closure while still focusing on the other characters and their arcs.

Will Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Kill Off Kevin Costner?

John Dutton Dying Is A Popular Theory

One of the most popular fan theories concerning Kevin Costner's Yellowstone exit is that John Dutton III will die. Taylor Sheridan hasn't confirmed what will happen to Costner's character. However, many viewers believed that John would die sometime during the show's final season even before Costner left the neo-Western drama. Killing John off is ittedly an easy way out for the Yellowstone writers, but it is a plausible one that would make sense (if handled correctly).