John Dutton actor Kevin Costner opens up on the Yellowstone ending, and what he thinks the characters deserved. Premiering in 2018 and airing for five seasons, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 marked the show’s conclusion, airing on December 15, 2024. The series’ final had a polarized reception, as Costner controversially left Yellowstone, and protagonist John Dutton was killed off the show. Costner’s exit was due to myriad reasons, with a major one being his desire to shoot his Western passion project, Horizon: An American Saga.Costner and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin sat down with ET to discuss their new docuseries, The West, which premieres on History Channel on May 26. In their discussion, Costner addressed the future of his ambitious Horizon project, his legacy in the Western genre, and, most interestingly, how he feels the Dutton family should have ended up in Yellowstone. Costner complimented the show’s ability to beautifully capture “modern-day ranching“, but acknowledged that the show is also a “soap opera“, and that, presumably the Duttons, “should all be in prison.” Check out Costner’s full statement below:

“Well, it’s modern-day ranching. Yellowstone was able to capture that really so beautifully. I mean, it’s a bit of a soap opera. I mean, we all should be in prison.”

What Kevin Costner’s Comments Mean About His Relationship With The Yellowstone Universe

He Respects The Show’s Legacy But Likely Won’t Return

Many Yellowstone fans were frustrated with Kevin Costner for prematurely leaving the series, as it never fully recovered after the death of the Dutton family patriarch. For his part, Costner expressed hurt feelings for being what he felt was fully blamed for his Yellowstone departure. He also said in 2023 that he’ll “probably go to court” for not being paid the $12 million he claims he’s owed for the back half of season 5.