Warning: The following contains spoilers for Yellowstone season 5, episode 9.
This article contains references to suicide.
Yellowstone’s John Dutton actor, Kevin Costner, reacts to his character’s fate in the premiere episode of season 5, part 2. Costner has played the series' central character and the Dutton family’s patriarch since 2018. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the actor exitedYellowstoneduring the season 5 break. Season 5, episode 9, which aired on Sunday, November 10, reveals John’s fate of being murdered under the disguise of suicide.
Costner, who hasn’t watched the episode, revealed toSiriusXM’sThe Michael Smerconish Program(viaVariety) that he heard that the show wrote John Dutton off with death by suicide.The actor admitted that it"doesn’t make him want to rush to go see it.“Check out what he said below:
I’m going to be perfectly honest. I didn’t know what was actually airing last night. That’s a swear to God moment. I swear to God. I mean, I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place, and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one.’ I’m not in this season. I didn’t realize yesterday was the thing.
I didn’t see it. I heard it’s a suicide. That doesn’t make me want to rush to go see it. They’re pretty smart people. Maybe it’s a red herring. Who knows? They’re very good. And they’ll figure that out.
What This Means For Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2
Kevin Costner Isn’t Thrilled About John Dutton’s Fate
In the same interview, Costner also mentioned how he had envisioned different endings for John Dutton earlier in the show’s run, none of which involved suicide. This means John Dutton’s fate could’ve been different if Costner stuck with the show, or if he even left sooner. Costner’s comment also confirms thatthe actor had nothing to do with howYellowstonehandled John’s fate in the season 5B premiere.
While what the actor has heard is a bit misleading, his comment also resonates with the mixed reactions the mid-season premiere has gotten.
In the episode, John appears to have died from a self-inflicted wound, but there’s a conspiracy behind his murder, which putsthe Duttons - namely Beth and Jamie- at odds with each other. Costner’s reaction to his character’s fate suggests thathowYellowstonehandledJohn Dutton’s fate could be potentially devastating and upsetting to many fans.While what the actor has heard is a bit misleading, his comment also resonates with the mixed reactions the mid-season premiere has gotten.
Our Take On John Dutton’s Fate In Yellowstone 5B
John Dutton Deserves Better
Costner’s comments seemed to open the discussion about whetherYellowstonedid John justice. From the story’s standpoint,John Dutton’s deathis very shocking, and at the same time, pushes the plot into a certain direction by having Beth, Rip, and Kayce searching for the truth. There’s a war looming over John’s death. The aftermath is something to look forward to. However,not everyone is thrilled to see the show’s beloved central character killed off like this.
The treatment John Dutton gets is almost in reaction to Costner’s exit itself. It seems fair to say thatYellowstonehad to kill off the family patriarch one way or another, and the question became how to do it in the most shocking way. John’s death has some real shock value, but for the ostensible main character,it seems a bit rushed. Costner seems to agree, though he acknowledges that the creative team is talented and might have a bit more up their sleeves.
Yellowstone
Cast
Yellowstone follows the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton, as they defend their expansive ranch against external threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park. Released on June 26, 2025, this series examines the complex dynamics and violent conflicts surrounding the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.
