Kevin Costner Shamed For Letting 'Fans Down' & Leaving His ‘Yellowstone’ Co-Stars ‘Out To Dry’ After Abruptly Quitting

Nov 27, 2024 by apost team

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“Yellowstone” has become one of the most-watched Western series in a long time, with an estimated viewership of nearly 21.6 million viewers for at least one episode since the show’s premiere in 2018. The show centers around the Duttons, a family that owns one of the largest ranches in America, showcasing their external issues and internal conflicts. 

Over its first four seasons, the show boasted an impressive cast. However, changing the lineup in its fifth season risked jeopardizing its success. Why? One of the show’s most beloved and easily recognizable faces is renowned actor Kevin Costner, who announced his departure from “Yellowstone.” In an Instagram video promoting the arrival of the second part of the fifth season of “Yellowstone,” fans couldn’t help but notice Costner’s absence from the clip. “The epic return of Yellowstone” faced the risk of not being as epic without the famed actor.

Fans immediately voiced their grievances about the actor’s absence, with some even threatening to boycott the season and episodes.

“Won’t be the same without Kevin Costner… I’m so sad. 😭💔,” one Instagrammer wrote. Another directed their frustration at the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, for the change.

“There’s no point of watching this show if Kevin Costner isn’t in it. Taylor Sheridan you really messed up this one,” they ranted. 

The fans’ loyalty to the actor was echoed in most of the comments, with one even going as far as saying they would pass on the show because “No Costner-No show.” Another said “Yellowstone” was now “dead” to them.

Costner himself took to social media to confirm the speculation one day after the teaser was released. The actor, 69, shared news of his absence in the next part of the show in an Instagram video, explaining:

“Hi, everyone. I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on ‘Horizon’ and doing all the things that’s required, and thinking about ‘Yellowstone’ — that beloved series that I love, that I know you love — I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue season 5b or into the future.”

He also expressed his gratitude for having been part of the show, his love for it and how it had impacted him. The actor then revealed that he would focus on other movies and “Horizon,” a show he spearheaded. However, fans are still not appeased by the possibility of seeing him in other projects, especially die-hard fans of the show. Many believe that his departure may have ruined the trajectory of the entire show. 

“Yellowstone has its first episode without Kevin Costner and they already ruined it in the first 5 minutes,” one X user asserted.

However, many still have faith in the show, with some expressing loyalty to the show and not to Costner. His “Yellowstone” co-star, Luke Grimes, shared that while Costner will be missed on the show, it still has so much to offer.

“It was just as special and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much ... I think they will be able to,” the actor said.

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Explaining how Costner’s character would fare for the remainder of the season, “Yellowstone” director Christina Voros emphasized in an October 2024 The Hollywood Reporter interview that John Dutton would still be a central figure in the show. 

“His presence is integral,” Voros confirmed. “I think to say any more than that would potentially compromise all the work that went into redacting the scripts! But I think the reason people are wondering, ‘Is he, isn’t he? Where is he, where is he not?’ is because he is the patriarch and his presence is an essential component to the story. John Dutton is still central.”

Voros also assured that despite Costner’s absence, the returning cast was “exceptional” and could carry on the show’s brilliance. 

Meanwhile, some fans were still disappointed in Costner for leaving the show abruptly. 

“You let Yellowstone fans down. As an actor, you should commit yourself 💯 percent to the project. If you felt it wasn’t going to suit you, you could’ve done 2 or 3 episodes to set up your dismissal. That’s what good dedicated actors do,” a distraught fan said on Instagram.

“Leavin fans hanging. K Cos new MO. Welp, thanks for failing all of us. Why even start if you have the heart of a quitter?,” another commented.

Some even expressed their disappointment and frustration with Costner’s decision.    

“Should’ve at least just finished the last bit of season 5. I really like him as an actor but can’t help but feel like he hung his co stars out to dry a bit 😕,” someone wrote. 

“You should have at least finished YS. Bad form, so disappointing,” another said.

“Shame on you,” an angry user said. 

Are you a fan of “Yellowstone”? What can you say about Kevin Costner’s departure? Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other “Yellowstone” fans out there!