Yellowstone’s Final Season Preview Seemingly Confirms at Least *One* Major Death: ‘Kill as Much as You Can’
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The Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 trailer is here and, right out of the gate, fans are focused on Kevin Costner’s John Dutton. How will the show handle Costner’s exit and how will Yellowstone wrap up its final season?
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On October 22, Paramount Network released the official trailer for the second half of Yellowstone Season 5 and, as expected, plenty of drama is set to go down in part 2. The video description explains, “Generations of blood have led to this. Watch the official Yellowstone trailer before the show’s epic return, Sunday November 10 only on Paramount Network.”
A previous behind-the-scenes video for the series revealed just how secretive things were on set, ensuring that no spoilers were leaked. John Dutton’s fate is unknown, but based on Costner’s departure, he won’t be around for long.
In June 2024, Costner shared in an Instagram message, “I 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 that’s required and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love, I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future.”
He added, “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, and I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”
In the new Yellowstone trailer, Costner’s Dutton says, “Everyone’s forgotten who runs this valley. Time to remind them.” This moment comes from an earlier season, however, and isn’t new footage. He notes later in the trailer, “This war is just beginning.”
Beth says, “The only thing left to do is to kill as much as you can before they kill you.”
In a Reddit discussion about the new Yellowstone trailer, some fans speculated about how Costner’s character will go out. Featuring the actor in the trailer certainly points to the possibility that his character’s death will play a big part in the final installment of the series.
“Easiest way to write Costner out is to have him killed off screen before the first episode even starts,” one fan wrote. “If it were me, I’d have the episode begin with a montage of news stations reporting on his assassination then a quick cut to everyone in black walking away from the grave. No needless exposition of why John isn’t around.”
More: See how every Yellowstone family member is related in this Dutton family tree
In the YouTube video’s comments section, there was definitely confusion around Costner’s appearance in the final season’s second part. Is it misleading to feature so much of Costner?
“Ok, now I’m confused. I thought Kevin Costner wasn’t coming back to the series,” one fan said. Another answered, “He is, but limited screen time. Just to finish the season. Seems to be also the main reason no season 6.”
Others noted, “So is Costner still in it?,” “I thought Kevin Costner was not coming back,” and “Wait, I thought Kevin wasn’t coming back.”
Many fans picked up on the old footage used in the new trailer, with one pointing out, “60% of the trailer are images of old seasons.”
In the Reddit discussion, one fan noted, “So they’re gonna pretend John is in this season (he’s in the trailer a few times)… we all know it’s not gonna be the same without Kevin. Looks to be the same old formula too, Jamie messes up, acts a fool, Monica cries, Beth threatens someone… at least Mo is awesome.”
Others pointed out the use of old footage from previous seasons, and one person guessed, “Guarantee all of that footage of John was taken from deleted footage of 5A.”
Watch Yellowstone on Paramount Plus.
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Check out the below photo gallery to see where Yellowstone ranks on our list of the best primetime soaps of all time.