Yellowstone director calls Kevin Costner ‘essential component’ of series even after exit

Kevin Costner stills seems to be an important part of Yellowstone, even after exiting the series months ago.

Four months after confirming his exit from Yellowstone, the show's director, Christina Voros, shared insights on how Costner’s character, John Dutton, will always play an important role in the series’ final episodes.

As the second part of season five comes near to its premiere on Nov. 10, Voros emphasised that Dutton’s presence remains “integral” to the storyline, ensuring a strong finish for the beloved character and series.

“His presence is integral,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview published Nov. 5.

“I think to say any more than that would potentially compromise all the work that went into redacting the scripts! But I think the reason people are wondering, ‘Is he, isn’t he? Where is he, where is he not?’ is because he is the patriarch and his presence is an essential component of the story.”

Further on the significance of Kevin’s character in the Paramount series, she added, “John Dutton is still central.”

When it came to filming without Costner, who brought the sixth-generation Dutton to life for four and a half seasons, Voros was not too open with her comments.

While she didn’t reveal much, her remarks hinted at the challenges and adjustments the cast and crew faced as they moved forward without the iconic portrayal of the family patriarch.

“I don’t know if we were without him,” she said. “I don’t know!”