Kevin Costner Is Reportedly Not Returning to 'Yellowstone'

  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Update 5/3/2023: Kevin Costner is reportedly leaving Yellowstone, sources close to production have told Entertainment Tonight. Although ET did not name the source directly, the publication says alleged drama between the actor and the show's co-creator Taylor Sheridan have reached a boiling point. The original article below was reported back in February.

We've reached out to Paramount for comment, and will update when we receive a response.


Paramount Network has responded to reports published in a Deadline article that Yellowstone would be cutting ties with lead Kevin Costner. When asked about the recent rumors that Costner is exiting, a Paramount Network spokesperson said they had "no news to report."

Deadline, without naming sources, reported that Paramount Global and Paramount Network, alongside co-creator and show-runner Taylor Sheridan, would be cutting ties with Costner and pivoting to a new series starring Matthew McConaughey.

"Kevin Costner is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come," the network rep said in a statement to Men's Health. "Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner.”

The rumors have followed apparent filming challenges. Costner is directing and starring in his own western film for Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema, Horizon.

According to Deadline, this project has created frustration among the Yellowstone cast and crew.

Costner’s availability for filming the second part of Yellowstone’s fifth season has also reportedly become more of a challenge with the actor proposing cutting his time on set down significantly. In response, Paramount has reportedly decided to “move on,” possibly extending the franchise in a new direction without Costner. (It’s now unclear what this decision means for the remainder of Season 5, which is scheduled to return this summer.)

Deadline has reported that McConaughey is currently in negotiations for some role in this new project.

For now, nothing has been confirmed. We will update as we learn more.

You Might Also Like