Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has been a ginormous hit for Paramount, that hooked millions of viewers to the screen, with Kevin Costner’s phenomenal performance and the show’s gripping storyline. The success of the original show even spun off multiple projects, based on the Dutton family universe in various centuries. But unfortunately, the success seemingly got plagued with Costner and Sheridan’s behind-the-scenes drama.
Now, as the second part of the show’s fifth and final season is set to wrap up in November 2024, fans have begun to speculate that Kevin Costner’s character might get killed off in the finale if he returns at all. Meanwhile, as Costner’s behind-the-scenes behavior starts to make headlines, Yellowstone Comanche actor Gil Birmingham debunks the rumors with his positive remarks.
Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan’s Behind-The-Scenes Drama
When Taylor Sheridan collaborated with Kevin Costner for Paramount’s Yellowstone, no one estimated just how big the show would become. With five seasons on the go, the drama series became one of the most-watched TV shows during its run and even inspired a few, equally successful Yellowstone spinoffs surrounding the Dutton family, in different centuries.
However, despite the massive success of the Western drama series, Yellowstone suddenly got canceled and announced that the upcoming second part of the fifth season would serve as the show’s finale. According to reports from Dexerto, it all began after a serious behind-the-scenes feud between Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner.
During a discussion with THR, Taylor Sheridan informed that Kevin Costner wanted to wrap up his time as John Dutton as he became interested in his upcoming western epic, Horizon. Further, Parade informed that Costner reportedly testified during his divorce proceedings, that he’d “probably” go to court over his Yellowstone exit.
According to the outlet, Kevin Costner was forced to pause Horizon and film Yellowstone even though the scripts weren’t ready for the show. This delay cost him $10M to alter the production of Horizon, which eventually led Costner to fall apart with Taylor Sheridan.
Yellowstone Actor Shares Positive Remarks on Kevin Costner
Thereafter, following the constant drama between Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner, which sparked headlines about the latter’s alleged behind-the-scenes behavior, fans speculated that the actor might not return for the season finale. Perhaps, this feud is what’s causing delays in the production of the upcoming episodes of Yellowstone.
Although Kevin Costner’s behind-the-scenes behavior on Yellowstone is all people can talk about, his co-star seemed to be the only one standing in favor of Costner. Amid the actor’s feud with Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone’s Comanche actor Gil Birmingham came forward to share positive remarks on Costner, during The Critics Choice Awards on January 7, 2024, via Fox News.
“Kevin is [an] extraordinary talent; he has been for his whole career, and it’s not any different on our show. He’s a major leader, and we have such deep respect and appreciation for him. I think he’s a mentor to everyone on our set. His vast experience and just his amazing presence, how he portrays John Dutton. We all learn something every day with him.”
Gil Birmingham’s comments on Kevin Costner and his genuine appreciation for the actor seemingly clarified the alleged reports surrounding Costner. Following Birmingham’s remarks, it seems Taylor Sheridan might need to bury the hatchet to bring the Oscar Winner back to the show, without further drama.