Who Will Replace John Dutton? | Theories on Yellowstone’s Final Season

With Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan faces one of the biggest challenges in the show’s history—crafting a satisfying conclusion for John Dutton’s character. This has sparked endless fan theories about what will happen to the iconic patriarch and who will take over the ranch in his absence. Let’s break down the most compelling theories surrounding Yellowstone Season 5, Part Two.

The Fate of John Dutton

John Dutton, the head of the Yellowstone ranch, has been at the center of the series since its inception. However, with Costner’s departure, fans are left wondering how his character will be written out. Some theories suggest he will meet his end in a tragic accident, while others propose he may simply disappear from the narrative.

One of the most popular theories revolves around John Dutton dying in a car crash, mirroring his near-fatal accident in the show’s first season. In Season 1, Episode 9, it was revealed that a tow truck had deliberately collided with his vehicle as part of an assassination attempt. Some fans speculate that this event could foreshadow a second, fatal crash orchestrated by his enemies. However, Sheridan has hinted that he won’t take the easy route of a simple car accident, suggesting that John’s fate will be more significant.

The Taylor Sheridan Factor

A deeper look into Sheridan’s past work provides clues about John Dutton’s future. Sheridan himself was killed off unceremoniously in Sons of Anarchy via a car accident, an exit that he later criticized. Given his disdain for that type of ending, many believe he wouldn’t subject John Dutton to a similar fate. Instead, his exit will likely be carefully crafted to have a lasting impact on the series.

Sheridan has previously mentioned that John’s departure was always planned, meaning his absence will be pivotal to the show’s climax. Rather than a quiet retirement or a random accident, it’s likely that John’s fate will be tied to the power struggles that define the Yellowstone universe.

Will John Dutton’s Cancer Return?

Another strong theory is that John Dutton’s colon cancer, a plot point introduced early in the series, could return in its later stages. If John succumbs to illness, it would provide a slow and emotional send-off rather than an abrupt or violent one. This scenario would allow the show to explore John’s legacy and how his family grapples with his impending death, leading to a natural transition of power at the ranch.

Who Will Replace John Dutton?

With John Dutton’s exit inevitable, the next big question is: who will take over the Yellowstone ranch? Several characters have been positioned as potential successors, each with a unique claim to leadership.

1. Rip Wheeler

Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, recently hinted that his character will step up as the new leader of the Yellowstone ranch. Rip has been John’s most loyal ally and has already taken on many responsibilities related to running the ranch. If John is removed from the picture, Rip seems like the most natural choice to maintain order.

Hauser described Rip’s evolving role, stating that his character would take on responsibilities traditionally held by John. This suggests Rip may be the key figure in maintaining the ranch’s legacy and fighting off external threats. However, as Rip has never been a Dutton by blood, this could create conflicts with the remaining family members.

2. Jamie Dutton

Despite being at odds with his family, Jamie Dutton is a strong contender for taking over the ranch. As a lawyer, he understands the legal intricacies of land ownership, and he has always desired to prove his worth within the family. Some fans speculate that Jamie could use his knowledge of the Duttons’ secrets against them, forcing his way into power.

This theory suggests a dark turn in Yellowstone, where Jamie betrays the remaining family members to secure control over the ranch. Given his complicated relationship with Beth and John, it would be a shocking yet plausible twist.

3. Beth Dutton

Beth has been one of the most strategic characters on Yellowstone, and she has made it clear that she will do whatever it takes to protect her father’s legacy. If John dies or is forced out, Beth could assume control of the ranch, using her ruthless business acumen to fend off external threats.

However, Beth’s volatile personality and ongoing feud with Jamie could make her rule chaotic. If she takes over, the ranch could face more internal struggles than ever before.

4. Casey or Tate Dutton

Casey Dutton, John’s youngest son, has been hesitant about fully embracing the Yellowstone lifestyle, but his loyalty to his family has never wavered. If he steps into his father’s role, it could signify a return to the ranch’s traditional values while offering a fresh perspective.

Alternatively, some fans believe that Casey’s son, Tate Dutton, may ultimately inherit Yellowstone. Tate, as the seventh-generation Dutton, has ties to both his father’s lineage and the Broken Rock Reservation. His potential ownership of the ranch could fulfill a prophecy from the Yellowstone prequel, 1883, which hinted that the land would eventually return to Native American hands.

Could the Duttons Lose the Ranch?

One of the most dramatic theories is that the Duttons will lose Yellowstone altogether. John Dutton has spent his entire life fighting to keep the land, but his enemies—such as Market Equities and the state government—are determined to take it from him.

Some speculate that the ranch will be seized through legal loopholes, financial struggles, or outright force. In this scenario, the Duttons could either be exiled from their own land or forced to make impossible sacrifices to maintain it.

John’s proposed conservation easement plan, introduced in Season 5, is another key factor. If he follows through with it, the state could gain control over the ranch, making it impossible for the Duttons to sell or develop the land. This would protect Yellowstone from commercial exploitation but could also strip the family of their autonomy.

The Final Showdown: Beth vs. Jamie

Another intense theory suggests that Beth and Jamie’s conflict will reach its breaking point in the finale. Given Beth’s threats against Jamie and his knowledge of the family’s darkest secrets, it’s possible that one of them won’t survive the final season.

If Beth succeeds in eliminating Jamie, she could solidify her control over Yellowstone. Conversely, if Jamie manages to outmaneuver Beth, he could emerge as the most powerful Dutton, changing the course of the series entirely.

Conclusion: A Legacy at Stake

With Yellowstone nearing its conclusion, fans are eager to see how Taylor Sheridan will wrap up one of television’s most intense dramas. Whether John Dutton meets his end through tragedy, illness, or betrayal, his departure will leave a power vacuum that must be filled.

Will Rip Wheeler take the reins, or will Jamie Dutton finally claim what he believes is rightfully his? Could Beth outmaneuver them all, or will the Dutton family’s reign come to an end? One thing is certain—Yellowstone is heading toward an explosive finale, and no one is safe.