**Spoiler Alert: Major Plot Twist Unveiled in Yellowstone Season 5B Premiere**
Kevin Costner has shared his thoughts on the shocking demise of John Dutton in the opening scenes of Yellowstone's highly anticipated return. During an appearance on The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM, the former lead of the Paramount Network's hit series was asked about his reaction to showrunner Taylor Sheridan's decision to bid adieu to the Dutton family patriarch.
"I've heard it's a suicide, and that doesn't exactly rush me to tune in," Costner remarked (video embedded below). Smerconish commented that his character didn't fit the profile of someone who would take their own life, prompting Costner to respond, "They're incredibly clever. Perhaps it's a decoy. Who knows? They're exceptionally talented, and they'll sort it out."
Midway through the episode, viewers learned that Dutton's death was merely staged to resemble a suicide, and he was actually killed by a hitman hired by Jamie's (Wes Bentley) girlfriend Sarah (Dawn Olivieri).
Costner admitted that he hadn't watched the episode himself but had only heard about it from others. "I didn't realize it was airing last night. I swear to God, I didn't. I've been seeing ads with my face plastered everywhere, and I thought, 'Gee, I'm not in that one.' I'm not part of this season. But seeing those ads, I didn't connect it to last night's premiere. ... No, I found out about it this morning," he said.
The actor was once again questioned about his departure from the show amidst contractual and scheduling disputes with Paramount, which ultimately led him to prioritize his Horizon movie saga. He provided a detailed response.
"I didn't really have to abandon anything," he clarified. "There were contractual agreements that allowed for both Yellowstone and Horizon to coexist, but because both were contractual, adjustments had to be made. There was room for compromise, but it was challenging for Yellowstone to maintain their schedule. It seemed too difficult for them. You can overcome obstacles, but in this case, I didn't leave. I didn't quit the show, alright? I had a contract for all three remaining seasons. Within an eight-month span, two more sets of negotiations for different contracts were underway. Not by my initiative, but theirs, to find a way. I accommodated their requests for those two additional changes, but when they sought a third modification, I couldn't assist them further ... Everyone must uphold their commitments, regardless of the industry. And I had 300 people waiting for me, so I couldn't help them anymore."
Costner also ventured into politics, defending Liz Cheney, who faced criticism from conservatives for confronting Donald Trump and endorsing Kamala Harris. "I'm immensely proud of Liz Cheney," he stated. "I've found someone who, despite being at odds with one side, is willing to stand her ground. We should applaud her, protect her. This woman should never be threatened, nor should anyone who speaks up in America. We admire the bravery of those who stood up during the Revolutionary War. So, when someone stands up, even if we disagree, we can't leave them vulnerable. As a man, I can't—I refuse to allow it. We shouldn't permit that."
Yellowstone airs on Sunday nights on the Paramount Network. For more insights on how the show addressed Costner and his character's fate, read THR's post-premiere interview with director Christina Voros.
