Most of Season 5B revolved around the mystery of JT’s death. While the season finale wrapped up the show in a satisfying way, the uncertainty about its future became everyone’s focus, and with it came the possibility of Costner’s return. The star has been vocal about his love for the show and his character and his willingness to return. However, there are several obstacles that need to be addressed first before his return to the franchise could be realized.

Why Did Kevin Costner Leave Yellowstone?
Kevin Costner in Yellowstone; Scott Bakula in Star Trek: Enterprise
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Under What Conditions Would Kevin Costner Return to Yellowstone?
Kevin Costner as John Dutton is recently shot and on the side of the road waiting for help in Yellowstone.
Image via Paramount
Despite everything, Sheridan’s view of the star was unchanged. “My opinion of Kevin as an actor hasn’t altered,” he told THR. The show creator believes that Costner is the perfect John Dutton and praised his creation of the character as “symbolic and powerful.” Just between the two, there hadn’t been a time when they “couldn’t work out on the phone.” However, the behind-the-scenes drama did leave a stain on the star’s relationship with the rest of the Yellowstone team. “He took a lot of this on the chin, and I don’t know that anyone deserves it,” said Sheridan, who also shared that he hoped Costner’s movie was “worth it.” It doesn’t seem like Costner’s return to the franchise would be in the near future, especially with John Dutton’s death being official in the Yellowstone franchise.

Does John Dutton Have a Place in the Yellowstone Universe Post-Season 5B?
Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton and Kevin Costner as John Dutton are discussing how to move cattle over the hill that day while sitting horseback in Yellowstone.
Image via Paramount
So far, Yellowstone-related projects are either set in the distant past or after the events in Yellowstone 5B, which doesn’t seem to involve John Dutton in any direct way. 1923 Season 2 is set long before the future Dutton patriarch was born. The recently confirmed Rip and Beth spin-off will also follow their journey after Season 5B, set in the present day. Meanwhile, The Madison primarily revolves around a different family that settled in Montana. It seems that the only way for John Dutton to return to the franchise is through flashbacks and special cameos. However, there would have to be a real demand for his return. For now, the series has completed his character arc with a shocking and abrupt death at the beginning of Season 5B.

Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) appear in Yellowstone
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