How Yellowstone Was Supposed to End Before Kevin Costner’s Exit – Taylor Sheridan’s Original Script Revealed

Kevin Costner’s sudden departure from Yellowstone left fans in shock and threw a major wrench into the show’s planned finale. For years, the hit Western drama revolved around John Dutton, his sprawling Montana ranch, and the power struggles that came with it. Costner’s portrayal of the family patriarch was at the heart of the series, making his abrupt exit a major challenge for creator Taylor Sheridan.

Now, as Yellowstone prepares to air its final episodes in November 2024, fans are left wondering—what was really supposed to happen in the show’s original ending? Would John Dutton have survived? And how much did Costner’s departure change Sheridan’s vision for the final chapter?

The Original Plan for Yellowstone

When Sheridan first pitched Yellowstone in 2013, his goal was to create a modern-day Western with the same epic storytelling as The Godfather. The show was originally meant to be a 10-episode limited series, focusing on the conflicts surrounding the largest ranch in Montana. At the time, Sheridan envisioned a gritty, action-packed conclusion that would cement Yellowstone as a legendary Western saga.

However, when the show premiered in 2018, it became a massive hit, leading to an expanded storyline that went far beyond a single season. The success of Yellowstone forced Sheridan to rethink his original plan, stretching the story across multiple seasons and deepening the relationships between the characters.

But one thing remained constant—John Dutton’s ultimate fate was always meant to be a defining moment in the series.

The Ending Before Costner’s Exit

According to sources close to the show, Sheridan always intended for Yellowstone to have a tragic but powerful ending. John Dutton was never meant to live happily ever after. Instead, his journey would have come full circle, likely ending with his death.

In the original script, the Dutton family would have faced one final, devastating battle over their land. The conflicts between John, his children (Beth, Kayce, and Jamie), and their enemies—rival ranchers, developers, and politicians—would have escalated to an explosive climax.

One popular theory among fans was that John would sacrifice himself to protect the ranch, ensuring that his legacy lived on through his children. This would have mirrored themes from the show’s earliest seasons, reinforcing John’s belief that the land must always come first.

Sheridan had reportedly planned a powerful send-off for Costner’s character, one that would have honored his impact on the series. However, with Costner leaving before the final episodes were filmed, those plans had to change.

How Costner’s Exit Changed Everything

Costner’s departure in 2023 was unexpected and forced Sheridan to make major adjustments to the script. Reports suggest that Costner wanted more creative control over John Dutton’s storyline, leading to conflicts with the show’s creators. When discussions fell through, Costner decided to leave, focusing instead on his passion project, Horizon, a multi-part Western film series.

With Costner gone, Sheridan had to rewrite the ending, finding a way to remove John Dutton from the story without completely derailing the show. This led to speculation about how John would exit—would he be killed off-screen? Would he simply disappear? Or would the show take a different approach entirely?

Sheridan later confirmed that while Costner’s exit changed some aspects of the finale, the core themes and conflicts remained intact. In an interview, he hinted that the final season would focus more on Beth and Jamie’s rivalry, with the fate of the ranch hanging in the balance.

What Will Happen in Yellowstone’s Final Episodes?

With John Dutton out of the picture, the question now is: who will take over the Yellowstone Ranch?

Beth vs. Jamie – Throughout the series, Beth and Jamie have been locked in a brutal sibling rivalry. With their father gone, their battle for control of the ranch could take center stage. Fans believe Beth will ultimately come out on top, securing the land for the family.

Kayce’s Prophecy – In Season 4, Kayce had a vision that showed him two paths. He later told Monica, “I saw the end of us.” Many believe this vision foreshadows a tragic fate for the Duttons, possibly losing the ranch to outside forces.

Rip’s Leadership – Some fans speculate that Rip Wheeler, John’s most trusted ally, will step up as the new leader of the ranch. With Beth by his side, Rip could become the new patriarch of the Dutton empire.

Tate’s Future – A key prophecy from

1883

suggested that the Dutton land would eventually be returned to Native American hands after seven generations. With Kayce’s son, Tate, being both a Dutton and part of the Broken Rock Reservation, could he be the key to the ranch’s fate?

Could Yellowstone Continue Without Costner?

Despite rumors that Season 5 would be the end, there has been speculation that Sheridan and Paramount are considering a Season 6 or a major spin-off. Some reports suggest that Yellowstone could shift focus to Beth and Rip, while others believe the upcoming spin-off The Four Sixes could serve as a continuation of the story.

One thing is certain—Sheridan has more Yellowstone stories to tell, whether it’s through sequels, prequels, or spin-offs. Even with Costner gone, the Yellowstone universe is far from over.

The Legacy of Yellowstone

No matter how the show ends, Yellowstone has already cemented itself as one of the most successful TV dramas of all time. The combination of Western grit, family drama, and stunning cinematography has made it a cultural phenomenon.

While Costner’s exit may have changed Sheridan’s original vision, fans are still eager to see how the Dutton saga concludes. Will the ranch survive? Will the family stay together? And most importantly—who will take John Dutton’s place?

As we wait for the final episodes, one thing is clear—Taylor Sheridan isn’t going to let Yellowstone end without a fight.

What do you think will happen in the final season? Will Beth, Jamie, or Rip take control? Let us know your theories in the comments!