The New York premiere for the new season of Yellowstone went very well, except for the fact that Kevin Costner skipped the whole event, and not only that, but he is keeping everyone guessing about whether he’ll return to the show at all, which is causing chaos behind the scenes of the hit show.
The 67-year-old Costner was the main reason Yellowstone has turned into a mega-hit, and Paramount+ execs are very aware of that, sources revealed.
The show’s future could potentially be jeopardized if Costner is really leaving, and the execs are aware of that also.
Indications are that he may be riding off into the sunset, despite that Costner’s rep has denied that he has any plans to leave, said Radar Online.
Costner plays family patriarch John Dutton in the show.
Here is what an insider said: “He’s giving every indication that season five will be his last.”
“He’s in minimal scenes and he’s got other irons in the fire,” the insider added.
Directing a new movie Horizon is what keeps the actor busy lately, and he is not directing it for Paramount, but for Warner’s New Line Cinema.
A source said that “it shows his loyalties are divided at the moment.”
“It’s not secret that Kevin’s been getting itchy feet, but he’s not saying either way if he’s in or out. It’s driving cast and crew alike crazy!” The source added.
After Paramount launched a Yellowstone prequel 1923 with superstar Harrison Ford in the lead role, Costner’s ego took a hit, an insider said.
“People thought he’d have the decency to stay through to the end, but now nobody can read his mind and it’s very frustrating!” A source said.
The Hollywood star is already being pushed by his wife, Christine Baumgartner, to leave the show.
“It’s really knocked a hole in their family life,” said a source.
“The show is such a mega-hit, producers want it to go on forever! However, Christine wants her husband to hang up his cowboy hat, with an insider saying her patience is starting to fray,” the source added.
“She wants a firm commitment this is his last season — or he might have to hit the dusty trail!” said the insider.