How Yellowstone Season 6 Can Survive Without Kevin Costner

While rumors continue to swirl about Kevin Costner’s future involvement in Yellowstone, the beloved Western series could definitely continue without its leading man in Yellowstone season 6. Yellowstone is a western with four and a half seasons currently aired, and the second half of Yellowstone season 5 is set to be released later in 2023. Yellowstone follows Kevin Costner as John Dutton, but the actor’s future involvement is the source of much speculation.

It is true that Yellowstone without star Kevin Costner would certainly not be the same. The actor is a major attraction and holds up a significant portion of the series as the family’s patriarch. However, over five seasons, Yellowstone has built characters and storylines apart from Costner that are equally engaging. Additionally, Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has branched off into other successful spin-off series without Costner. Though he plays a crucial role in the series, there are ways Yellowstone can continue without him

Yellowstone Season 6 Can Focus On Underutilized Characters

If Kevin Costner were to leave Yellowstone and the show continued into season 6, the series would have the opportunity to focus more significantly on various other characters. Apart from Costner, Yellowstone characters from Kayce and Monica to Beth and Rip have become popular in their own right. Without Costner’s John Dutton, these characters would be able to receive more screen time and have more dynamic storylines. Additionally, characters that are lesser known or have more intriguing stories can also have more of the spotlight, such as Angela Blue-Thunder and Sarah Atwood.

Along with getting more screen time, Costner’s exit could also create interesting plot lines for the remaining characters. In a Succession-like twist, the ranch could be up for grabs with the loss of John Dutton, and various changes could come to the business. In this way, many characters could have more significant and exciting storylines as a result of Costner’s absence. Overall, this would bring a major change to Yellowstone that could be beneficial for the future of the series.

Yellowstone Season 6 Can Include John Dutton In Creative Ways

Even if Kevin Costner leaves Yellowstone, his character, John Dutton, can still appear in season 6 and beyond in different ways. If the writers decide to set Dutton on track to the U.S. Senate to excuse his absence, he could still make brief cameos either in person or through phone calls to his family. Additionally, Dutton can appear as his younger self in important flashbacks. Of course, the spirit of John Dutton will always be present in Yellowstone, and it is unlikely that the characters would let him escape their minds easily.

While Kevin Costner’s potential exit may seem entirely detrimental to Yellowstone, the beloved series does not necessarily need to end because of it. The show has a variety of well-liked and interesting characters that deserve to be explored. More than that, Yellowstone could take on an entirely new story without its patriarch, leading to exciting change and new directions for the Dutton Ranch.