Hear me out: I have a wild theory that Kevin Costner might actually return for the final episodes of Yellowstone.

Fine, Yellowstone Fans, there are only a few days left until the long-awaited premiere of season 5B on the channel. TV schedule for 2024and I feel anxious. final episodes Yellowstone (for now) have been shrouded in mystery, and the big topic on everyone’s mind is how the series will develop Kevin Costner. However, after more than a year of reports and rumors about actor John Dutton leaving and the announcement that he would not be returning, I’m here to present a wild theory: What if Costner returns as patriarch Dutton?

I know it’s a crazy thing to say and there’s a good chance it won’t happen, but let’s put on our tinfoil cowboy hats for a second. I am fully aware Kevin Costner says he won’t return myself. Hear me out though, I think there’s a chance they’ve got something in mind and we’re about to see him on our screens as John Dutton one last time.

Kevin Costner leans on his arm while sitting at a dinner table in Yellowstone. — (Image credit: Photo: Emerson Miller for Paramount Network)

The level of secrecy surrounding Yellowstone Season 5B is suspicious

I’m not kidding secrecy on Yellowstone kit was on par with Marvel in intensity. In a video posted by the show on YouTube, the actors noted that their scripts were edited and they were not allowed to know anything beyond their own scenes. Sitting next to her co-star Wendy Moniz, who plays Senator Lynelle Perry, Sarah Atwood actress Dawn Olivieri explained:

I don’t know what she did, she doesn’t know what I did, we can’t tell each other.

Then during an interview with TPPDirector Christina Voros said that when it came to the level of secrecy on set, even people who worked on Marvel projects found it bizarre:

No. This was new territory for all of us. We have people on our team who have worked in the Marvel universe, and they thought what we were doing was crazy.

She even said that while the main Dutton family and department heads know the whole story, some cast and crew members won’t fully know what happens in Season 5B until it premieres. This level of secrecy must This means they are hiding big secrets. And at this point, the biggest secret I can come up with is that Costner is back.

Screenshot of Kevin Costner looking serious in Yellowstone.

(Image credit: Paramount Network)

Yellowstone director categorically did not say that Kevin Costner is not there

Okay, this is where things get very suspicious. In the same interview with THR, Christina Voros was asked directly about the role that John Dutton will play, although as far as we know, Kevin Costner will not be returning. Season 5A ends with John facing impeachment, and without news of the actor’s departure, one would assume that the patriarch would still play a large role in the series. In response to a question about John’s presence, the director said:

His presence is indispensable. I think if I say anything more, it will potentially jeopardize all the script editing work! (Laughs) But I think the reason why people wonder, “He, isn’t he?” Where is he, where is he not? because he is the patriarch and his presence is an important component of the story. John Dutton is still in the spotlight.

Then things got even wilder when Voros was asked, “How has the set changed without Kevin Costner?” I guess this question requires a direct answer, but we didn’t get one, as she said:

I don’t know if we managed without him. I don’t know!

This quote is what made me believe in my own wild theory. Why on earth would she react that way if Costner wasn’t even there? I guess we’ll find out on November 10th, but for now there are more reasons why I think this comeback could happen.

Kevin Costner as John Dutton, wearing a cowboy hat and Yellowstone vest, leaning to the left.

(Image credit: Paramount)

It seems no one has seen the premiere of 5B yet

Usually in the days leading up to the premiere of a show, especially one as high-profile and anticipated as Yellowstonereviews and reactions from critics and journalists. This has not happened yet, and the premiere will take place in a few days.

Watching the interviews with the cast, it’s all pretty general, and the details of what’s coming next are also being kept under wraps. Plus, when asked about Costner, there is never a clear answer to this question, as you saw above, as far as I have seen.

So between that and the lack of reviews or anything, I have to wonder what they’re hiding. Admittedly, as of this writing, the premiere is still five days away, so it could still happen. However, it’s strange that we’ve heard absolutely nothing from the people who usually get the episodes in advance. This level of caution implies that something big will happen during the premiere, and Costner’s return would fall into that category.

Kevin Costner as John Dutton, standing in front of the window, looking stern.

(Image credit: Paramount)

Kevin Costner appears frequently in the Season 5B trailer

When I saw Yellowstone Season 5B trailer, I didn’t think much about Costner being in it. I figured it was old footage and thought it would make sense to switch to old scenes or flashbacks of him, even though the actor wouldn’t be part of the season.

However, having found all the above points, I’m starting to wonder if there is a hidden reveal. Perhaps it was right in front of us all along.

Obviously, this footage could be archival or unused lines and moments from older seasons. However, the more I learn about what comes next, the more I’m starting to think that maybe this is just Mr. Costner these days playing John Dutton.

John Dutton in sunglasses and hat in Yellowstone

(Image credit: Paramount Network)

Kevin Costner says he will return ‘under the right circumstances’

As you know, on June 20, 2024, Kevin Costner took to Instagram to inform his fans that he would not be returning to Yellowstone and he will focus on his Horizon movies. However, when he was on Today show three days before, the actor made a comment that made it seem like the door to John Dutton was not completely closedHe said:

I supported the cause and loved it. This was very important for me. I would like to come back under the right circumstances, which I think we all want. For me it really has to be the right circumstances. If we say that there is a chance, then there is always a chance. I like this thing. You must understand this clearly.

He deliberately didn’t say no, and I think that’s important. However, a few days later he did come out to officially announce his departure. But wait, that’s not all.

While speaking with ET in September, two months after he said he was leaving, he said: asked if he could play John again. He explained that the story could obviously continue with his character’s children as the main focus. However, he also shared his thoughts on a possible return, saying:

Who knows, some things tend to come back. You know, I didn’t see that trail of dust coming towards me. But I was always open to it when I started. Five seasons was a lot for us. And I think this story is not over.

Well, well, well, Mr. Costner, from the looks of it all, it looks like you might actually come back…

I’d like to make it clear that if he does return, I don’t think it will be for a full season. I think one or two episodes are enough to complete his character’s story. This is because he was busy filming. Horizon and the cast answered questions about how losing John might affect their characters, albeit cryptically. So if Costner comes back, I think it will just be the end of his character’s story.

However, obviously this is all a theory I made up and I really don’t know what will happen. We’ll actually find out if Kevin Costner will return when Yellowstone It premieres November 10th on Paramount Network at 8:00 pm ET. In the meantime, I’m sitting here and re-watching old seasons with Peacock subscription and wondering if we’ve seen the last of John Dutton.