With Kevin Costner’s confirmed exit from Yellowstone, fans have been buzzing with theories about how his character, John Dutton III, will be written out of the popular series. As the patriarch of the Dutton family, John has been a central figure in the Duttons’ battle to protect their land, situated near the Broken Rock Indian Reservation and Yellowstone National Park. His departure leaves an enormous question: how will the story continue without him?
Creator Taylor Sheridan has yet to reveal the exact details of Costner’s exit, but fans have developed a few plausible theories on how John’s absence could be addressed in Season 5 Part 2, set to premiere soon.
One prominent theory suggests John could meet a natural end, perhaps from a heart attack. This approach would provide a realistic, if understated, closure to his character, allowing the series to move forward without Costner’s presence onscreen. The idea of John passing away in his sleep or while working on the ranch aligns with his role as an aging patriarch and could serve as a fitting, albeit subdued, farewell to the character.
While it may not be the most dramatic option, John’s death from natural causes would allow Yellowstone to shift focus to other key storylines. The Duttons will still face conflicts over land, power, and family dynamics, ensuring that John’s legacy remains at the heart of the series.
Stay tuned as Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 returns, with fans eager to see how Sheridan chooses to close this chapter on one of television’s most iconic characters.
