Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has spoken about Kevin Costner's departure from the hit series, stating that the actor was originally intended to be part of the show for its first three seasons.

Appearing on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Sheridan explained that Costner's contract stipulated a three-season commitment, with the intention for his character's son to take over thereafter. However, Sheridan noted that the network, fearing a decline in viewership, encouraged Costner to remain with the show for an additional two seasons.

"The network was so scared of not having Kevin be a part of it, even though Kevin was ready," Sheridan said. "He was ready to go. He had other things he wanted to do but he stayed on for another two seasons."

Sheridan attributed Costner's extended role to the show's massive success. He also mentioned pressure from cable companies who sought multi-season commitments to Yellowstone as part of their renewal deals.

"There was even pressure from some of the cable companies wanting to put it in their deals, that they were going to get an X number of seasons of Yellowstone to re-up what this cable company is," Sheridan recalled.

Costner, 71, who portrayed patriarch John Dutton, ultimately exited the series, with his character being killed off in a faked suicide during the fifth season. Rumors surrounding his departure cited a clash between Costner and Sheridan over creative direction and Sheridan's alleged development of a "God complex." Costner's exit also coincided with his focus on his Western film franchise, Horizon.

Sheridan elaborated that Costner reached a point where he felt it was time to move on. "He's like, 'I gotta go do my own thing.' But we originally conceived it together that it was three seasons and then the baton is handed," Sheridan said.

Costner himself had previously stated that the show's drama stemmed from the network seeking contract amendments due to Sheridan's delayed scriptwriting. "There was no script," Costner told Deadline. "And then things imploded. You’ve been reading one version [of the show's drama] for a year and a half."

Costner's attorney, Marty Singer, denied claims that Costner refused to film more than one week for the second half of Season 5. "The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of Season 5 of Yellowstone is an absolute lie," Singer stated.

Luke Grimes, who plays Costner's onscreen son Kayce Dutton, commented on the impact of Costner's absence. He suggested that while Costner's departure was unexpected, it simplified the filming process. "To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone," Grimes said. "Obviously, it didn’t make it super fun to be around... Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season we’ve filmed."

Grimes indicated that he has not spoken to Costner since his exit but expressed no hard feelings. "He can reach out to me if he wants," Grimes added.

News of Costner's potential departure began circulating in 2023, amidst reports of a dispute with Sheridan. Paramount claimed Costner refused to shoot additional episodes to prioritize his film projects, while Costner countered that Paramount sought to alter his contract terms.