Wes Bentley explains how Yellowstone’s early ending is similar to Succession. The former series, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, premiered back in 2018 and tracks the conflicts surrounding the Dutton family and their eponymous ranch in Montana. Much like Succession, it explores various relationships and shifting alliances within the family, with Bentley’s Jamie Dutton becoming attorney general and attempting to impeach his own father, who was recently elected Governor of Montana.
Although the show has managed to maintain impressive ratings and a strong fanbase, it was announced in May that Yellowstone would end after season 5. During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bentley revealed that he was prepared to say goodbye to Jamie. The actor also noted that there can be a level of uncertainty when it comes to a program’s future, explaining how HBO’s Succession ended while it was still popular. Read Bentley’s comments regarding Yellowstone ending early below:
“It’s both. I could see both happening, and it’s kind of been that way the whole time. You never really know who is going to be in or out or, the way shows go now, who is going to die and what season. You are half mentally prepared for that happening at any moment. It created a real interesting thing for me with Jamie. Because I think Jamie also feels that his family could dispose of him at any second. He doesn’t realize his worth for so long, not until recently. I would use that in my performances.”
“But as a whole, you just never know. I have enough experience in this business to know that, even when things are going well. Succession is a good example; it’s peaking and ending at the same time. I’ve always been prepared for some version of the show ending or I’m out of it, or Kevin decides to go do other things and he’s out. You just know the business and always expect the craziest thing to happen. And often, it does.”
What Yellowstone’s Ending Means For The Franchise
Succession ended after only four seasons, but creator Jesse Armstrong revealed that he had considered the show’s conclusion for some time. Yellowstone’s future, on other hand, was only confirmed following the exit of Kevin Costner, who is currently set to direct the upcoming Western movie titled, Horizon. Though its upcoming finale might not have been intended like Succession’s was, it appears that the Yellowstone franchise will continue. Not only is the prequel series 1923 getting a season 2, but a sequel starring Matthew McConaughey is also in the works.
It is hard to imagine the show moving forward without Costner’s involvement, but a Yellowstone sequel presents an opportunity for some of its characters, including Jamie, to return. Because of that, it will be interesting to see how arcs develop throughout the series’ remaining episodes. When it comes to Jamie, he was last seen plotting against Beth (Kelly Reilly), and considering they both have plans to eliminate each other, their battle could be an important part of season 5.
The last half of Yellowstone season 5 is not scheduled to air until November, but longtime fans of the show can likely expect a lot of tensions to come to a head. It is also worth wondering how the stories of characters like John (Costner) and Jamie eventually end, and if either can come back in some capacity. Those eager to see how Yellowstone concludes can be sure to catch up with the final season when it resumes.