How will John Dutton die in ‘Yellowstone’? Apparently Kevin Costner has a say, report says
Amid its hiatus, the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding “Yellowstone” continues unabated.
Word broke in February that the back half of the latest “Yellowstone” season could be the show’s last with Costner as John Dutton. Scheduling conflicts with Costner’s multi-part western movie epic “Horizon” precluding the star from continuing his role as patriarch of the Montana ranch family.
Paramount confirmed in early May that “Yellowstone” would indeed end in its current form with the final episodes of season 5. However, a sequel show is said to be in the works that could feature a few familiar faces from the flagship series.
Now, just weeks after Costner said he might sue the show over his earnings at a child support hearing, more information on his exit has surfaced. Here’s what we know:
Costner has a ‘moral death’ contract clause for John Dutton
It’s unclear if John Dutton will survive in the story of “Yellowstone,” but whatever happens, Costner has a say in his demise.
Costner has a “moral death” provision in his contract, meaning that the actor has a say about how John Dutton can or can’t be killed on the show, according to Puck News. The stipulation includes protection from Dutton dying in ways that would cause shame or embarrassment to the character, or Costner and his family.
Some of the things not permitted on the show include Dutton betraying his family or being fatally kicked in his private parts by a horse, according to Puck News.
In some instances, actors ask to be killed off their respective shows to work on new projects or to simply be off the series. However, its uncommon for someone to have a “moral death” clause worked into their contract, according to Puck News.
Costner made demands to review ‘Yellowstone’ scripts
In early July and before the actor’s strike, Costner and “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan got on the phone together to talk business.
Before the Writer’s Guild of America strike in May, Sheridan had written most of the back half of “Yellowstone” season 5 assuming Costner wouldn’t be back, according to Puck News. When Costner and Sheridan spoke, the scribe said he was willing to scrap the scripts if indeed the actor was coming back.
However, Costner unloaded a list of demands to Sheridan including increased salary, a reduced shooting schedule and the right to review, approve and veto scripts.
The script revision was a no-go for Sheridan, who has written every episode of the Paramount Network show since it debuted in 2018. Not long after, Paramount walked away from the negotiations, according to Puck News.
When will the second half of ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 air?
Regardless of Costner’s status on the show, it will likely be months if not longer before “Yellowstone” comes back.
Hollywood is in the middle of a Writer’s Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes. Both guilds are pushing for more equitable contracts, with the main focus on residuals and the the use of artificial intelligence in projects.
With both writers and actors on strike, a majority of filming for movies and television has come to a screeching halt. “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan, a WGA member, said he’s put his pen down to support the guild’s efforts.
Whenever a contract is reached, it will likely take some time to schedule filming dates for the “Yellowstone” cast and crew.
However, “Yellowstone” will air on television this fall, but not how you might expect. CBS is planning to air “Yellowstone” from its beginning and continue week-to-week on Sundays after NFL games, which kicked off this past weekend.
This story was originally published September 18, 2023 at 12:24 PM.
