John Dutton, come with me if you want to live. With Yellowstone on indefinite hiatus since January, fans of the western drama have had quite some time to figure out how the series will end. A major problem is what the series will do with Kevin Costner—the actor who plays Yellowstone’s leading patriarch, John Dutton.
Though the SAG-AFTRA strike has only added to Season Five’s production troubles, part of the blame might lay on Costner’s shoulders. The leading man reportedly feuded with creator Taylor Sheridan over filming schedules. Despite Yellowstone’s massive success, the upcoming second half of Season Five will mark its final episodes.
So, what do we make of Costner’s likely exit? If Yellowstone ever returns, would the show be bold enough to kill him off? Fans are starting to think that it’s the only way to move on. “John dies,” one Reddit user predicted. “Kayce inherits the ranch and goes into co-ownership with the Indians.” Not a bad idea! It definitely wraps everything up.
“I also like the idea that Native Americans will take the land back by the passing of it down in John Dutton’s family through to Tate Dutton. I find that a fitting end,” another user commented. “In the meantime, Jamie and John both die in their feud. Beth and Rip stay on at the big house. Kayce and Monica live at the east pasture house and raise Tate into his inheritance.” It seems almost inevitable.
Though fans have predicted the end of Yellowstone since the series almost killed off John Dutton back in the Season Three finale, a new Insider interview with Kelly Reilly (who plays Beth) provided some insight. According to Reilly, the finale “will probably be beautiful and epic,” with a chance at a “happy” ending. “We’re all sort of beholden to the vision of the storyteller and we serve the story,” she said. “Who knows what’s going to happen? I find that exciting as an actor.”
But as one Reddit user pointed out, “The only thing that could separate John from the ranch is death.” I believe it. No use protecting your land for generations if you’re not going to fight until the bitter end. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see how it all comes to an end when (or if?!) Yellowstone returns.