Kevin Costner’s New Yellowstone Show Will Be A Harsh Reminder Of John Dutton III’s Disappointing Fate

Kevin Costner may be returning to the Yellowstone universe in February 2025, but his new project only serves to highlight the frustrating and disappointing fate of his character, John Dutton III, from Season 5 Part 2. As many fans know, Costner left Yellowstone after Part 1 of Season 5, with reports claiming that the grueling filming schedule for Part 2 was too much for Costner, who wanted to focus on other projects. In addition to the demanding schedule, there were rumors of creative differences and behind-the-scenes tension between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, which ultimately led to Costner’s exit from the hit series.

This left the cast of Yellowstone to continue without the character that was the face of the show. As a result, Season 5 Part 2 had to address John Dutton’s absence, and many fans speculated about his fate. Some believed John would be written off by leaving the state, while others feared that he would die. Unfortunately, many of those fears became reality, making his departure even more heartbreaking for fans. While there is a glimmer of hope with Costner’s return to the Yellowstone franchise, his character’s tragic end will continue to haunt the story.

Kevin Costner’s New Role in Yellowstone to Yosemite

Costner may not be returning as John Dutton III, but he is coming back to the Yellowstone brand through a new docuseries. Premiering on Saturday, February 8, Costner stars in the three-part documentary Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner, airing on Fox Nation. In this series, Costner hosts and serves as executive producer, guiding viewers through a journey that retraces Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir’s historic Yosemite expedition of 1903. The docuseries follows Costner as he walks the same path, exploring the beauty of nature and the roots of the National Park system in the United States.

However, while this docuseries brings Costner back to the Yellowstone world, it does not revive his iconic role as John Dutton III. Instead, it offers a glimpse of the actor in a completely different light, embracing history and the natural world rather than the gritty western drama that made him a household name.

Costner’s New Project Makes John Dutton’s Fate More Heartbreaking

Although Yellowstone to Yosemite allows fans to reconnect with Costner in a different capacity, it also emphasizes the disappointment surrounding John Dutton III’s death in Yellowstone. Given Costner’s clear connection to the Yellowstone franchise, the docuseries only serves as a reminder of what could have been if he had remained with the show for its conclusion. His character’s death, which marked a tragic turning point in the series, now feels even more frustrating for viewers. It’s a stark reminder of how different things could have been if Costner had stayed until the end. Unfortunately, for fans of the Dutton family, John Dutton’s fate is final, and the beloved character will not return to the show.