Yellowstone will perhaps never be the same - not after Kevin Costner announced his exit from the hit show. Shortly after announcing his movie Horizon, Yellowstone fans began speculating about Costner's exit. It wasn’t until early June when he confirmed leaving the show.
This stirred up fans and viewers since Costner’s exit from the Paramount project would have to appear rushed. Costner primarily departed from the show due to a clash in his filming schedules.
The Hidden Figures actor seemingly had the thought of leaving the show for quite some time. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in June, he explained,
“I gave this thing five seasons…I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama - So let’s just take that drama away.”
He continued to entail the importance of making his decision to leave Yellowstone, made public saying,
“The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”
Costner played the governor of Montana, John Dutton, who was also the protagonist in Yellowstone. While we sadly won’t get to see Costner’s charming Western accent and iconic cowboy hat, what will happen to the governor now that Costner’s gone in Season 6?
Disclaimer: This article is solely based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.
Theories exploring Kevin Costner's fate in Season 6 of Yellowstone since his exit
1) Potential for a new leader in Yellowstone Season 6
Since season 1 of Yellowstone, Costner’s character, John Dutton, was the patriarch of not just his famous family but also of the town as governor. It’s a position he proudly held through a plethora of challenges, fights, and adversaries.
Season 6 could plausibly lean toward new leadership - a fitting theory since his exit, especially because it would allow a new leader to step into John’s shoes as governor.
Moreover, regardless of who the person is, new leadership could be a refreshing start for Yellowstone’s cast and fans since it would allow for more character growth.
2) Beth and Rip become the protagonists in Yellowstone Season 6
Beth (played by Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser) have continually exhibited their assertiveness across the seasons of Yellowstone. Beth, John’s beloved daughter, is fiercely loyal to her family.
It doesn’t matter whether she’s feuding with her family or going through the blues; she’ll do whatever it takes to uphold the Dutton family’s honor. While she loves her family, Beth has come across as hostile and manipulative. If she fills in her daddy’s shoes, it’s only natural to assume her beau, Rip, will follow suit in supporting her.
Beth and Rip have been together romantically for some time now, and there’s a reason they’ve gotten along all this while. The duo have had close calls ending their relationship, but they made it.
Despite everyone walking around eggshells around Beth, she’s the glue of the Dutton family. In season 6, Beth and Rip could take over John’s place as protagonists of the series.
3) Kevin Costner could be dead in Yellowstone Season 6
This might sound rather dark, but there’s a very high chance Costner’s character could be killed off in Yellowstone Season 6. Usually, that’s how most shows deal with actors exiting in the middle of filming.
Moreover, since his sudden departure, it would be difficult for writers to concoct a fitting conclusion for his characters, especially with a tight schedule. Not only will they have to ensure that Costner’s character has a satisfying end, but they will also have to meet fans' expectations.
John’s death isn’t a complete theory per se, especially with his adopted son Jamie’s threat in season 5. For context, season 5 was intense because of the scruffs among the Dutton family. Jamie is among the many people who dislike John’s leadership.
During a heated argument, Jamie threatened to “dethrone” his father as governor, opening room for conspiracy theories. Jamie is bold, so we never know whether he’d go as far as killing his father - but again, it’s possible.
4) Kevin Costner might be recast in Yellowstone Season 6
This theory has been in the talks since Costner announced his exit. Rumor mills suggest that perhaps ‘John Dutton’ would return with a new avatar - mostly Matthew McConaughey per fans from several online platforms. McConaughey has played Western characters and is renowned for the same.
However, McConaughey and his representatives denied any such claims about joining the Yellowstone family. Similarly, showrunners have yet to confirm news about a potential recast. Nevertheless, a recast could align with a possible time jump, which makes more sense when paired with new leadership.
5) New antagonists in Yellowstone Season 6
Several people were dearly afraid of the Dutton family, mainly of John, because of his power and influence in Montana. There were many gunning for the position of governor, and they went to extreme lengths to dethrone him.
But, all their efforts proved futile since John understood the game of politics quite well. However, with him gone - perhaps someone who’s been pulling the strings all along to get his job could emerge.
It could very well be someone from the Dutton family (like Jamie) or an unexpected foe from the previous seasons. Also, with the patriarch’s absence, the family will mostly crumble, leaving room for an adversary to step in and hit them while they’re already down.
6) Chaos in the Dutton Family in Season 6 of Yellowstone
As emphasized earlier, John was a prominent character in Yellowstone. His presence is pivotal to the plot and story—or it has been until season 5. With the protagonist gone, who will take responsibility for the Duttons? Who is the heir to the glory and tasks aligned with being Governor of Montana?
Conflict could break free from outside and within the Dutton household, ultimately shifting family dynamics. The spot is up for grabs for Jamie, Beth, or even Kayce, who’s slyly been eying his position.
Yellowstone isn’t a stranger to family drama, so this certainly wouldn’t be the first time a kerfuffle could erupt, causing chaos within the Duttons. It would also make for an amusing plot for season 6 of the Peacock show.
Yellowstone might not have Kevin Costner as John Dutton again...But he left behind a beautiful legacy that you can binge on Peacock. Catch all five seasons on the OTT before season 6 begins!
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