Taylor Sheridan says Kevin Costner’s departure from the Paramount Network drama Yellowstone was tied to an earlier contractual plan and Costner’s availability rather than a reported personal clash. Multiple outlets report Sheridan discussed the issue in recent interviews, including on the Bill Simmons podcast. Sheridan previously stated that Costner was “only supposed to be in the first three seasons,” with the show’s storyline moving the leadership of the ranch to Costner’s character’s son. He said the network kept Costner on longer because Yellowstone grew into a major hit (“such a behemoth”), and the network was reluctant to remove a key star before the series had fully run. Sheridan also indicates Costner wanted to pursue other projects and that the decision ultimately became about timing and the ability to keep filming alongside Yellowstone’s demanding schedule. Costner exited during the fifth season in 2024, and his character John Dutton is killed off in the final episode of the series. Some reports also reference separate comments by Costner that negotiations around season five split scheduling and creative terms played a role. Sheridan also reiterated that he and Costner did not have a lasting falling out, and he says Costner’s work on the show remains valued.