Paramount Executive Updates ‘Yellowstone’ Fans On Kevin Costner
For over a month, Yellowstone fans have been concerned that Kevin Costner is not returning in his role as John Dutton. Back in early February, there were reports from the set that there was a standoff between the actor and the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan.
These reports have fans concerned that the OG will end with Season 5, leaving them only with prequel spinoffs like 1923, and 1883.
Finally, there is some news on Costner from PaleyFest. What does a Paramount executive have to say about the award-winning star’s future with the top television show?
Will Kevin Costner Be Back On Yellowstone?
On Saturday, Yellowstone was the featured series on the prestigious PaleyFest stage. Fans came from hours away to see their favorite stars. Although the original list of participants including Taylor Sheridan, David Glasser, Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley, Gil Birmingham, and Jacki Weaver did not appear, others came in their place.
Those who appeared at the event include Mo Brings Plenty, Dawn Olivieri, Josh Lucas, and Wendy Moniz. In addition, Keith Cox, President of Scripted At MTV Entertainment Studios was there. While the other cast that appeared answered questions, Cox was on the firing line. Fans wanted to know what the status of Kevin Costner was. Will he be back on the Paramount series?
According to Deadline, Cox was asked about negotiations with Costner. The executive’s answer first identified the Field Of Dreams actor as “our star, the face of the show, and the executive producer.” Next, he answered the question, “we are very confident he will continue with the show.”
While “confident” was not a solid yes, this certainly was positive news. Moreover, his answer pointed out some financial reasons why the star would want to return to the hit series.
#Yellowstone's Kevin Costner, Other Main Cast No-Shows at PaleyFest, With Costner's Future on Series TBD https://t.co/GbjB3WYDIe via @TVLine
— Michael Ausiello (@MichaelAusiello) April 2, 2023
Why Isn’t Yellowstone Filming The Rest Of Season 5?
Yellowstone fans have been waiting for the rest of the supersized Season 5. The first eight episodes premiered over the winter. But the second part has not yet aired. Originally, the series was set to return in the Summer of 2023, but it has not been filmed yet.
In early February, news from the set revealed a standoff between Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan. Paramount claimed that Costner was only available for a week. The award-winning actor’s lawyer Marty Singer claimed that this was “lies.”
However, this is not the first time that the two have battled. But, this standoff seems to be the most critical. Costner’s camp has hinted that Sheridan has been so busy with all of his series that scripts were delayed, which meant that filming was delayed. Season 5 should have completed filming in 2022.
Costner has been busy with his own projects, including his four-movie Horizon, which he is currently directing and starring in. But, the Yellowstone cast should soon be back and filming those last six Season 5 episodes.
Hopefully, Cox’s answer is more than just optimism. Hopefully, Kevin Costner will be back.
Yellowstone fans, are you feeling more optimistic that Kevin will return?
