Kevin Costner remains tethered to the Old West. Despite his efforts to move beyond Yellowstone and secure funding for his ambitious four-part Horizon film series, Costner’s personal mission to depict the West on his own terms may have reached its conclusion.
“Horizon takes me back thirty-five years,” Kevin Costner quipped in a recent Entertainment Tonight interview. When asked about the thirty-fifth anniversary of Dances with Wolves, his focus remained on Horizon. “Part Two is complete, and I’m eager to create Parts Three and Four,” he shared.
But that vision may not come to fruition. In pursuing Horizon, Costner stepped away from one of his most iconic roles: John Dutton.
Kevin Costner reportedly left the hit Paramount series Yellowstone due to conflicts over contract terms and scheduling issues with his Horizon film project. His departure led to significant changes in the show’s trajectory, with creator Taylor Sheridan opting to kill off Costner’s character, John Dutton, off-screen, disrupting the fifth season.
Despite the messy exit, Costner speaks warmly of Yellowstone, the series that earned him his third Golden Globe award. His affection for the show remains evident, even as he focuses on his ambitious Horizon saga.
“It’s modern-day ranching,” Costner explained. “Yellowstone was able to capture that so beautifully. I mean, it’s a bit of a soap opera. We should all be in prison.”
Prison isn’t on the horizon for the Dutton family. Instead, Taylor Sheridan is developing several spin-offs to expand the saga of the Yellowstone ranching dynasty. Paramount, no doubt, would eagerly welcome Kevin Costner’s return for flashback scenes.
“I loved Yellowstone,” Kevin Costner shared with People last summer. “I enjoyed the cast and the story. I’m drawn to that world… I’ve always thought it could be compelling to return and complete the saga of this modern-day family. If that opportunity arises, I’d consider stepping back in, provided I agree with the creative direction.”
More from the Sheridan-Verse:
The Future of Yellowstone Takes Shape: New developments hint at the evolving landscape of the Yellowstone universe.
Harrison Ford Open to More Yellowstone Projects: The veteran actor expresses willingness to return for additional roles in the franchise.
What’s Up with Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Nature Show?: Questions swirl around Costner’s latest Yellowstone-related venture.