Before the return of Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, the show's Instagram profile dropped some sneak peek photos. While the shots show the Dutton family drama, the one big change is that Kevin Costner, who plays the iconic John Dutton, is missing from them.
The images that dropped on August 29, 2024, along with a few teasers from the past couple of days give fans a glimpse of the Dutton siblings on the ranch without their leader. Since Costner left the show earlier this year, fans wonder how they managed without John Dutton.
The last six episodes of Yellowstone Season 5 are dropping on November 10, 2024. It's possible that we see a change in power and an even the sibling rivalry that's building since the start of the series.
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 sees the Dutton family without their patriarch
In the new pictures of Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, the Duttons are pushing ahead even without John Dutton. One standout shot shows Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) together. They might be stepping up and taking on more confident and bigger roles in the family dynamic.
In another shot, we see Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) in his role as attorney general, holding a press conference with former governor Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz). This gives the impression that Jamie's influence is rising and he might get more involved in politics. This could up the ante for the family’s future.
Kevin Costner’s character is missed. Variety reported that he had to leave because of scheduling issues with his Horizon film series. Though rumors suggested tension between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, both say the split was friendly.
Taylor Sheridan is the creator of Yellowstone, and he said in an interview with Variety on August 29, 2024:
"Kevin brought a gravitas to John Dutton that will be hard to replace. But the story has always been about the family as a whole, and we're going to see the Duttons confront new realities in his absence."
Could there be a surprise Yellowstone Season 6?
While it was said that Yellowstone Season 5 would be the last, there might be a Season 6 on the cards. Reports from say that talks are happening to bring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, who play Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, into the spotlight for a new season.
If Season 6 is greenlit, it could revolve around what’s next for Beth and Rip, their relationship, and the hurdles they face as they step up in the Dutton family business.
Paramount hasn't officially said anything about it yet, but the buzz about a surprise sixth season has fans guessing about where the Yellowstone story might go next.
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 drops on November 10, 2024, on Paramount+.