Kevin Costner Admits He Found Out About John Dutton’s “Yellowstone” Fate Same Time as Fans

Kevin Costner was blindsided by the shocking fate of his Yellowstone character, John Dutton, learning about the death at the same time as fans.

On Monday’s The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM, Costner admitted he didn’t realize the hit show had returned the previous night and was surprised by the brutal twist that unfolded for his character.

“I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one,’” he shared. “I didn’t realize yesterday was the thing.” The actor admitted he “found out about [the episode] this morning actually” and hadn’t watched it yet. The Dutton family patriarch’s apparent suicide didn’t exactly inspire him to tune in either. “I heard it’s a suicide. That doesn’t make me wanna rush to go see it,” Costner said bluntly.

Fans had been prepared for Costner’s departure since he confirmed his exit in June, but the decision to kill off John Dutton left many stunned, as it seemed to seal the fate of Costner’s character with finality. Even Costner seemed skeptical, wondering if the death might be a “red herring,” although he clarified he’s largely out of the loop with the show’s creative direction.

Despite his character’s exit, Costner made it clear that he didn’t quit Yellowstone. Instead, he cited logistical challenges, explaining, “I accommodated them on those extra two things that changed, things change, and finally when they wanted to change it a third time… I couldn’t help them anymore.”

With fans left reeling from John Dutton’s tragic end, the series finale promises to be an emotional ride.