Yellowstone’s Kevin Costner awkwardly clashes with host over return probe ‘Not therapy'
Kevin Costner has confirmed he won't be returning to the hit Paramount Network drama Yellowstone as John Dutton, despite season five, part 2 being just around the corner.
Kevin Costner discusses his Yellowstone departure
Yellowstone’s A-list lead Kevin Costner shut down a line of questioning from Today presenter Gayle King when she tried to figure out why he won’t be returning as John Dutton.
The Hollywood star appeared on the show Thursday to discuss his epic new Western movie, Horizon, but couldn’t avoid probes into his alleged fallout with showrunner Taylor Sheridan.
Kevin, 69, was adamant that he “loved the show before anybody” and the love between him and Taylor was “really strong”.
“The idea of going back, I would do that in a second if I felt that it was - it was something that I could do, wanted to do. I would make it fit,” he admitted.
However, this left Gayle somewhat confused after Kevin’s recent comments definitively confirming he would no longer be appearing in the series.
“But the characterisation of you isn't necessarily flattering,” she said.
“You made demands, you want to have a certain schedule, you want to shoot at a certain time, you want certain money.
“If it's not that hard, why can't the two of you be able to work it out? People would love to see that.”
Kevin sharply shut down Gayle’s inquiry, replying: “It's not therapy, Gayle.
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“We're not going to discuss this on the show really, honestly.”
Gayle tried to provoke a better response from Kevin, assuring him: “I'm a good therapist.”
But Kevin continued to talk over her as he defended his decision to depart Yellowstone ahead of its much-anticipated return.
“I've conducted my life in a pretty straightforward way,” he explained.
“I've never missed any obligations in my entire career, so the idea is wide open for me. It just happens to be like can I fall in love with the writing, can I fall in love with the part that wants to go forward?”
The interview aired about a week after Kevin took to Instagram to explain why he made the difficult decision to say goodbye to Yellowstone.
“Hi everyone. I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that's required, and thinking about Yellowstone — that beloved series that I love, that I know you love — I just realised that I'm not going to be able to continue season 5B or into the future,” he told fans.
“It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it and I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning.
“I love the relationship we've been able to develop, and I'll see you at the movies,” Kevin concluded.
Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premieres Sunday, November 10 on Paramount+.
