Kevin Costner Breaks Silence on ‘Bulls–t’ Rumors About ‘Yellowstone’ Drama

Hollywood Veteran Sets the Record Straight on Contractual Disputes and Filming Schedules

In a candid interview with Deadline, Kevin Costner, the 69-year-old star of the hit series “Yellowstone,” has finally addressed the swirling rumors surrounding his departure from the show. Costner, who has played the pivotal role of John Dutton since the series’ inception in 2018, didn’t hold back as he termed many of the circulating stories as “bulls–t” and offered his side of the contentious narrative.

Contractual Complexities and Scheduling Conflicts

Costner revealed that he had initially negotiated a contract for three more seasons of “Yellowstone” – seasons five, six, and seven. However, the production team apparently altered the agreement, splitting the fifth season into parts A and B. This change, according to Costner, set off a chain of scheduling conflicts that ultimately led to the current impasse.

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The actor vehemently denied claims that his work on his passion project, “Horizon: An American Saga,” interfered with his “Yellowstone” commitments. “That’s not true,” Costner asserted, labeling such allegations as outright lies. He maintained that “Yellowstone” always held the “first position” in his professional commitments, with “Horizon” meant to fit into the gaps between filming schedules.

The Script Dilemma

One of the most significant revelations from Kevin Costner’s interview was the apparent lack of scripts for the latter part of season five. The actor claimed he had fulfilled his contractual obligations for the first part of the season, even offering additional days to complete filming. However, when it came time for “5B,” Kevin Costner stated, “There was no script.”

This absence of written material seems to have been a major sticking point in the ongoing drama. Kevin Costner expressed frustration at the production team’s inability to provide scripts, which he believes led to the series of misunderstandings and delays that have plagued the show’s production.

Addressing the Rumors Head-On

Costner didn’t shy away from expressing his disappointment with how the situation has been handled publicly. He spoke of “taking a beating” from unnamed sources and criticized the show’s team for not speaking up on his behalf, allowing “crazy stories” to circulate unchecked.

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The actor emphasized his professionalism, stating, “I’ve never missed a day of work. I’ve never left before fulfilling my contractual obligations.” He even detailed instances where he went above and beyond, working weekends and extra days to accommodate the show’s needs.

The Future of Yellowstone and Costner’s Involvement

Despite the ongoing controversy, Costner hasn’t completely closed the door on returning to “Yellowstone.” He stated he’s “very open to coming back” under the right circumstances, primarily if the writing meets his standards. However, he made it clear that rebuilding trust would be necessary, given the recent turn of events.

The second half of “Yellowstone’s” fifth and final season is now scheduled to premiere in November, though Costner’s involvement remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the actor is forging ahead with his “Horizon” project, with the first chapter set to hit theaters on June 28.

A Call for Transparency

Throughout the interview, Costner repeatedly emphasized his desire for honesty and transparency in the industry. He expressed frustration with the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and the spread of misinformation, calling for a more straightforward approach to dealing with contractual and creative differences.

As “Yellowstone” fans eagerly await the conclusion of the series, Costner’s revelations have shed new light on the complex dynamics at play in one of television’s most popular dramas. Whether this public airing of grievances will lead to a resolution or further complicate matters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kevin Costner is determined to set the record straight on his terms.