Kevin Costner, the renowned actor and director, has recently confirmed his departure from the hit television series 'Yellowstone,' where he portrayed the lead character, John Dutton, for five and a half seasons. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Costner opened up about the speculations surrounding his exit and expressed his disappointment with the lack of support from the studio.
Costner acknowledged reading various articles that perpetuated unfounded rumors regarding his decision to leave the show. He shared his frustration, stating, 'I was disappointed that nobody on the studio side ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them.' Costner further explained, 'There came a moment where I thought, 'Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what I have done versus what I haven't done?''
The actor revealed that his departure from 'Yellowstone' was due to the decision to split the show's fifth season into two parts. He also mentioned that a production date was set for his feature directorial project 'Horizon,' and the scripts for the second half of 'Yellowstone' Season 5 had not been provided before that. With only a week left to complete his duties on 'Yellowstone,' Costner felt let down by the lack of support from the studio when rumors began to surface that he would only work for a week.
Costner proudly acknowledged his commitment to the show, having gladly agreed to extend his tenure beyond the initial three seasons. He shared, 'I said, 'I'll do it for three seasons,' and I ended up doing it for five.' Costner expressed his willingness to continue working on the series but felt compelled to move on when no new material was forthcoming and an indefinite production pause could negatively impact his career interests.
Since at least April, Costner has expressed his desire to conclude his storyline on 'Yellowstone.' The show's fifth and final season was split into two halves, with the first eight episodes airing in fall 2022. The final six episodes are now in production and will begin airing in November.
Despite his departure from 'Yellowstone,' Costner remains open to returning to the show under the right circumstances. He stated, 'I would love to go back under the right circumstancesSaying there's a chance, there's always a chance. I love the thing. You've got to be really clear about that.'
Kevin Costner's Future Projects
Costner has shifted his focus to his upcoming series of Western films, 'Horizon: An American Saga.' The first film in the series premiered at the Cannes film festival this year, and subsequent chapters are slated for release in the coming months. Costner has invested his energy and personal wealth into the Horizon films, which he is directing, co-writing, producing, and starring in.
The first film cost $100 million to make, with Costner contributing $38 million of his own funds. The second film is set for release on August 16. Costner has two more films planned and has started filming on Chapter 3, but needs more funds to complete his vision.
In an Instagram post, Costner shared his sentiments, stating, 'After this long year and a half of working on Horizon and all that it entails, I've come to the realization that I won't be able to continue with Yellowstone, season five or beyond.' He expressed his gratitude for the relationships he's built and the love for the show, assuring fans that they would see him at the movies.
Challenges and Controversies
Costner's departure from 'Yellowstone' has been surrounded by rumors and controversy. He denied reports that he demanded fewer shooting days on 'Yellowstone' to make 'Horizon,' telling Deadline, 'I've taken a beating from those guys... I made Yellowstone the first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong.'
Paramount has declined to comment on the negotiations. However, 'Yellowstone' creator Taylor Sheridan expressed disappointment at Costner's likely departure, stating, 'It truncates the closure of his character. It doesn't alter it, but it truncates it.'
Costner has hinted at a potential return to 'Yellowstone,' telling the Today show that he would consider coming back 'under the right circumstances.' He emphasized his commitment to fulfilling contractual obligations with 'Yellowstone' and his openness to potentially revisiting the role of John Dutton in the future, contingent on his connection with the character and the writing.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding his departure, Costner remains committed to his career and his passion for storytelling. He has expressed his desire to continue making meaningful projects for his fans, ensuring that they are always at the forefront of his creative endeavors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kevin Costner's departure from 'Yellowstone' marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career. While he has expressed his gratitude for the experience and the relationships built during his time on the show, he is now focusing on his ambitious project 'Horizon: An American Saga.' As fans eagerly await the next installment of this epic Western series, they can rest assured that Costner will continue to bring his unique vision and dedication to the world of cinema.
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