Yellowstone Season 5: Fans divided over Kevin Costner’s exit as John Dutton

After nearly two years, Yellowstone Season 5B premiered, but the shocking death of Kevin Costner's iconic character, John Dutton, left fans with mixed emotions. The episode opened with John’s children, Beth and Kayce, discovering that he had been shot. While it appeared to be a suicide, suspicions of foul play linger.
Kevin Costner, who had pitched ideas for John’s exit to creator Taylor Sheridan, revealed he left the details to the producers. Speaking about fan reactions, Costner acknowledged their strong feelings but remained unfazed. “Fans have a voice, and they choose to follow what they want,” he remarked.
The actor had announced his departure in June, citing other commitments, including his film series Horizon: An American Saga. The first part premiered earlier this year, with the sequel currently postponed. Costner remains focused on delivering his projects to audiences.
Fans took to social media to express their thoughts. Some were disappointed, calling John’s death a mishandled farewell, while others felt the dramatic exit was fitting for the character. Reactions ranged from outrage to admiration, sparking heated discussions about the show’s creative choices.
Despite the controversy, one thing is clear—John Dutton’s departure marks the end of an era for Yellowstone. Fans will now wait to see how the story unfolds without its iconic patriarch.