Kevin Costner won't be returning to Yellowstone after Season 5

Yellowstone|Kevin Costner|Taylor Sheridan|John Dutton|Paramount Network: After season 5, Kevin Costner won't be acting in Yellowstone, according to people close to the production, who spoke to the media. The news follows rumours of purported conflict between the co-creator and star of the Paramount Network series about the actor's filming commitments for the remaining episodes of the current season. 

Media are also informed by additional sources that there has been no update on the cast and crew's return to Montana, where the show is shot on location, to complete the final episodes of season 5. There has thus been a great deal of uncertainty and frustration.

For reaction on the star's departure, the media has contacted Costner's representatives as well as the show's representatives. 

After Costner, Sheridan, and the rest of the cast failed to show up for a previously scheduled panel at PaleyFest in Los Angeles, there has been an update on his status on Yellowstone. 

This was announced about two months after it was first suggested that Yellowstone may end earlier than anticipated because to disputes over Costner's filming schedule, according to a Deadline article.

A Paramount Network representative said at the time that the network had "no news to report," but added that Costner "is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that's the case for a long time to come."

The first person to report on the disputes and difficulties on the set that are allegedly plaguing the show during its fifth season was Matthew Belloni in February.

"Yellowstone is really in limbo right now until they can figure out whether Costner is coming back or, more likely, whether he's going to be written out of the show," Belloni said. Once that decision is made, the second half of this season can be finished writing, shot, and most likely will air in the fall.

In the midst of this, Marty Singer, the actor's lawyer, responded to the claims of drama in a statement to the media. "It is a complete fabrication to say that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of Yellowstone season five. It's absurd, and anyone who suggests it shouldn't be taken seriously at all, the attorney added.

He continued, "As everyone who knows anything about Kevin is well aware, he is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone above and beyond to ensure its success."

Since that time, it has come to light that the long-speculated spinoff series starring Matthew McConaughey is actually going ahead. Chris McCarthy, the head of Paramount, stated to The Hollywood Reporter that McConaughey had been cast in a Yellowstone expansion.

McCarthy's Yellowstone extension is one of more than ten projects McCarthy has with Sheridan, the director behind 1883 and 1923, among other projects on Paramount Network and Paramount+, that are on the verge of expanding Sheridan's already expansive universe even further.

A day after it was made public that Costner's wife of more than 18 years, Christine Costner, had filed for divorce, news of his departure from the show broke. 

Costner's representative informed the media on Monday, "It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action." As they navigate this challenging time, "We ask that his, Christine's, and their children's privacy be respected."