There’s a saying that goes, “Nothing lasts forever”, but when you’re talking about a show as iconic as Yellowstone, it’s tough to believe that it could all come to an end. Since 2018, the show has galloped into our living rooms, painting a vivid picture of the American West with its sprawling landscapes, high stakes, and the unforgettable Dutton family. But as we approach the final chapters of this gripping saga, the storm clouds are starting to gather.
With Kevin Costner’s John Dutton riding off into the sunset, fans are left wondering how the remaining characters will survive without their patriarch. After all, Yellowstone without John Dutton seems like a ranch without a leader.
Cole Hauser, who’s made Rip Wheeler one of the most beloved characters on the show, recently opened up about the aftermath of John Dutton’s exit and how the Duttons will handle the changes.
Cole Hauser Reflects on Yellowstone After Kevin Costner’s Departure
Change, like the seasons, is inevitable. And in the case of Yellowstone, it’s not just the landscape that’s evolving—it’s the entire foundation of the show.
During a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight, Cole Hauser, 49, opened up about the future of the show and the complex journey ahead for the characters. He spoke about the emotional and narrative shift that Kevin Costner’s exit will create.
I think the year is really picking up the pieces and moving on. Figuring out how to lose such a polarizing figure in John Dutton and also come together as a family and as a unit, and understand what happened.
It’s no easy feat to fill the boots of a character as monumental as John Dutton. His presence on screen was more than just a leading role; he was the emotional and moral compass of the show. So, as his exit becomes a reality, the Duttons and their world must reassemble and find a new way forward. Hauser continued:
There’s just a lot of different moving pieces that Taylor did a really good job and a really smart job of doing.
And with the exit of Costner, viewers will witness not only the grief of losing such an influential character but also the resilience of those who remain. Hauser added:
Everybody really has their moment to deal with the loss and also, how to continue to survive.
It’s a painful but necessary step toward healing—both for the Duttons and for the show’s fans, who’ve been along for the ride from the very beginning.
Cole Hauser Teases Surprising Twists After Kevin Costner’s Exit?
As Kevin Costner has hung up his boots and moved on, his decision has left many with bated breath, wondering what it means for the series’ final act. While some reports have confirmed the possibility of a sixth season (see Variety), Cole Hauser is keeping his cards close to his chest about Yellowstone’s future. He did, however, tease fans with the promise of unexpected outcomes (via Entertainment Tonight):
I think there are a lot of people—well, millions of people—who have an idea of how it’s going to be. I think some will be right and some will be very wrong.
So, what does that mean for the Duttons? John has always been the pillar of the ranch’s defense, fighting tooth and nail to protect the land at all costs. But with him gone, who will stand in the way of this shift?
Well, American history has a lot of violence, especially against Native Americans who were forced off their land by settlers. This history is also part of Yellowstone, where the Dutton family has owned the ranch for many years, land that originally belonged to Indigenous people.
Some fans on Reddit believe that after John Dutton’s death, returning the land to the Native Americans would be poetic justice. This would end generations of trauma and symbolize correcting past injustices. Ergo, as John Dutton’s reign comes to an end, the door is wide open for change—especially when it comes to Tate, who is both a seventh-generation Dutton and an Indigenous person (via his mother Monica Dutton).
Could Tate ultimately fulfill the idea that the land should be returned to its rightful owners? After all, if there is one thing that Taylor Sheridan’s show has taught us, it’s that the future of the Duttons is as much about survival as it is about change. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time for a new generation to chart a different course.
The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 is scheduled to premiere on November 10, 2024.
Yellowstone is available on Peacock Premium.
