Is “Yellowstone” ending? Fans of the beloved Paramount Network series have been fearful the end of the Montana-set drama is near, all thanks to a report published by Deadline on Feb. 6. The outlet reported that series co-creator and showrunner Taylor Sheridan and Paramount Network are moving toward concluding the show in its current form. But, the outlet added, there would be a “franchise extension” that would keep the story of the Dutton family going, with Matthew McConaughey joining the show as the new star. Deadline said it was unclear which members of the current cast would carry over to the potential new series. Kevin Costner, who currently stars as John Dutton III, would also be leaving, Deadline claimed.
Paramount, however, denied the report to Deadline and in a statement to POPSUGAR. “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of ‘Yellowstone’ and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come. 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,” a spokesperson told POPSUGAR.
For his part, Sheridan continues to have a strong relationship with Paramount and has already expanded the “Yellowstone” universe with two prequel series — “1883” and “1923” — for Paramount+. “1923,” which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, has been renewed for season two. Meanwhile, the second half of “Yellowstone”‘s fifth season is set to premiere on Paramount Network in summer 2023.
Sheridan has also created other shows for Paramount+, including “Mayor of Kingstown,” and “Tulsa King.” He’s behind two additional upcoming series for the streamer, as well: “Lioness” starring Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman, and “Bass Reeves,” starring David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid and itself an offshoot of “1883.” So even if “Yellowstone” proper ends, there will still be many more shows like it to come.
Is Kevin Costner Leaving “Yellowstone?”
Deadline said that Costner’s issue lies with his filming schedule. The actor had allegedly limited himself to 65 days of shooting for the first part of the fifth season, but he only wanted to film for 50. For part two of the season, Deadline said he only wanted to spend one week shooting, which has caused issues. Costner has not commented on the report.
The series also stars Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille and Gil Birmingham. Costner won a Golden Globe for his performance on the show back in January.