Kevin Costner Says Goodbye to 'Yellowstone

In a heartfelt announcement that has left fans in disbelief, Kevin Costner has officially confirmed his departure from the hit television series "Yellowstone." The actor, who brought to life the iconic character of John Dutton, shared the news via a video on Instagram, expressing his deep affection for the show and its dedicated fan base.

"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," Costner said in the video. "I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5b or into the future."

Costner's announcement comes as he has been heavily involved in his new project, a multi-part film series titled "Horizon: An American Saga." The first installment of this ambitious series is set to debut in theaters on June 28. The film is distributed by Warner Bros., which, like CNN, is part of Warner Bros. Discovery.

In his Instagram video, Costner reflected on his journey with "Yellowstone," describing his time on the show as transformative. "It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it," he shared. "I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning. I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies."

Costner’s decision to leave "Yellowstone" was not made lightly. In a recent appearance on Howard Stern's show, he explained that he would only return if "the planets want to align up." He elaborated, saying, "Which means the storylines, the scripts and then I want to work more than once a year. And to do that, times have to be set aside for things. When that couldn’t happen that can’t work for me anymore."

The actor also revealed that he had a conversation with the show's creator, Taylor Sheridan. "We both said what was important to us, and it doesn’t seem like we can [work things out]," Costner said. "My whole life has been about am I gonna stand tall even in some desperate situation where it doesn’t work for me."

Despite his departure, Costner expressed confidence that "Yellowstone" could continue successfully without him. Since its debut, "Yellowstone" has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of the Dutton family's fight to protect their Montana ranch. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers and spawning a dedicated fanbase.

Costner's portrayal of John Dutton has been central to the show's success. The character, a rugged patriarch fiercely defending his family's land and legacy, has resonated deeply with audiences. Costner's performance has garnered critical acclaim and solidified his place in television history.

As Costner moves on to new endeavors, fans eagerly anticipate the release of "Horizon: An American Saga." The actor is not only starring in the film but also taking on roles as co-writer, co-producer, and director. This new project represents a significant investment of his time and creative energy, underscoring his commitment to exploring new artistic horizons.

The timing of Costner's announcement is noteworthy, as it comes just before the much-anticipated return of "Yellowstone" on November 10. While fans will undoubtedly miss seeing him as John Dutton, they can take solace in the fact that the show will go on, continuing to deliver the drama and excitement that has made it a beloved staple of modern television.

Kevin Costner's departure from "Yellowstone" marks the end of an era, but it also signals the beginning of new adventures for the acclaimed actor. As he bids farewell to the Dutton ranch, fans can look forward to seeing his creative talents shine in "Horizon: An American Saga" and beyond.