• 'Yellowstone' has no Kevin Costner
  • Kevin tells his side of things
  • THIS is what he said

From contract disputes to passionate projects and script delays, get the inside scoop on what really happened at Dutton Ranch. It's been a rollercoaster year for fans of the hit series Yellowstone, and at the center of the storm is none other than Hollywood legend Kevin Costner.

Contract Confusion and Creative Clashes

In a candid interview with 'Deadline', Costner finally sets the record straight, revealing the truth behind the rumors and speculation that have swirled around the show's tumultuous final episodes.

Costner, who stars as the formidable "John Dutton III", shared his side of the story, shedding light on the contentious contract negotiations and his unexpected departure from the show.

Despite dedicating himself to the series for seasons 5, 6, and 7, Costner found himself entangled in a web of contract revisions and unmet promises. "I took a beating," Costner lamented, referring to the unfair portrayal he received in the press as a result of the dispute.

Amidst the chaos, Costner's passion project, Horizon: An American Saga, became a point of contention. Contrary to reports, Costner clarified that his commitment to Yellowstone never wavered, even as he poured his heart (and finances) into bringing his western epic to life.

"Yellowstone was first position," Costner asserted, dispelling rumors that his dedication to the series had diminished.

The plot thickens as Costner reveals the logistical nightmares that plagued the production of Yellowstone's fifth season. With scripts arriving late and schedules constantly shifting, the actor found himself caught in a battle against time.

Despite his efforts to accommodate the production's needs, the promised scripts for the second half of the season failed to materialize, leaving fans and cast members alike in limbo.

After the turmoil, Costner remains open to the possibility of a 'Yellowstone' comeback, provided the writing meets his high standards. "If they’ve got so many other things going on, maybe this circles back and it’s a really cool two seasons," Costner said of the future.

"Or end it, if the writing’s there and I’m happy with it. I’m open to that. But I took a beating over these guys not speaking up for me and allowing crazy stories to come out. I’m not happy about that. But if the writing is there, I will be there too. They had first position. [The narrative that] I didn’t do 'Horizon' because I was tired of doing 'Yellowstone' … [is] a bullshit story."

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As the dust settles on this chapter of the Yellowstone saga, fans are left wondering what the future holds for their beloved series and its star.

Will Kevin Costner return to Dutton Ranch for one last ride? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the drama off-screen has been just as gripping as the action on-screen.