Kevin Costner reflects on his departure from the popular TV series 'Yellowstone,' citing scheduling conflicts with his passion project, the 'Horizon' film series, and personal life challenges.
Kevin Costner's decision to leave the hit TV series 'Yellowstone' has sparked speculation and controversy. In a candid interview with GQ, Costner opens up about the circumstances that led to his departure, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing his artistic vision and personal commitments.
Costner has been deeply invested in his epic Western film series, 'Horizon,' which he has dedicated years of effort and personal resources to. However, production delays on 'Yellowstone,' including the COVID pandemic and labor disputes, created scheduling challenges that made it increasingly difficult for him to allocate time for both projects.
"We very rarely started when we said we would, and we didn't finish when we said we would," Costner explained to GQ. "And I was OK with that. I really was. I was OK with it, but it wasn't a trend that could continue for me."
As the 'Yellowstone' production schedule became more unpredictable, Costner felt the need to prioritize his own commitments. When the fifth season was announced to be split into two parts, he proposed options for his character's exit, including the possibility of being killed off.
"Well, if you want to kill me, if you want to do something like that,' I said, ‘I have a week before I start. I’ll do what you want to do," Costner revealed.
According to Costner, he faced criticism in the media for allegedly only willing to work one week on 'Yellowstone.' He expressed disappointment that Paramount Network did not publicly defend him against these accusations.
"My big disappointment is I never heard Paramount or 101 really come to my defense and say, ‘That’s not true. He was going to do three more seasons,’" Costner said.
Despite the disappointment, Costner remains open to returning to 'Yellowstone' under the right circumstances.
"Well, Taylor and I know what the conditions are for coming back, and I’ll just keep that between ourselves," he said. "And if we can’t get to it, it’s because at the end of the day, it’s unreasonable for them or something."
Costner's passion for filmmaking extends beyond his career as an actor. He has always had a strong desire to create films that resonate with audiences and portray the history and values of the American West.
"I’m not going to lose myself because I’ve been bruised. I have been, but I’m not going to lose myself. And what I’m going to do is – because we are now after the white whale, OK? So, I can’t let go of this rope no matter how much my heart’s on the ground, no matter how broken I may be on a daily basis, I can’t let go of this rope because if I do, this thing called ‘Horizon’ will stop," Costner said.
In addition to the professional challenges, Costner has also faced personal adversity during the production of 'Horizon.' In 2021, his parents passed away, and in 2023, his wife of 18 years filed for divorce.
"And those things are very important. I have to deal with them. And I have to deal with them on a daily basis, emotionally, historically almost. And then there’s the immediate needs of children," Costner said.
Despite these setbacks, Costner remains committed to completing the 'Horizon' film series. He acknowledges that the release model of releasing the first two parts of the film back-to-back is unconventional, but he believes in the power of the story and its potential to captivate audiences.
"I’m a little unconventional. I liked all four of ’em. They’re already written. I’m not making s--t up on the fly. And so to me, it’s not over until it’s over. So I did them both."
Costner's tenacity and passion for his work have paid off. The first part of 'Horizon' received a 10-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, moving the notoriously stoic actor to tears.
"It's a funny business, and I'm so glad I found it. There's no place like here. I'll never forget this, neither will my children," Costner said at the festival.
Kevin Costner's journey with 'Yellowstone' and 'Horizon' is a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing one's passions and prioritizing what matters most. While the future of his involvement in 'Yellowstone' remains uncertain, his commitment to storytelling and the preservation of the Western legacy is unwavering.
