Despite the remaining episodes of the show yet to start production, court records show the official conclusion of Kevin Costner’s contract for Yellowstone. For five seasons, Costner has been at the helm of the Paramount Network’s neo-Western drama, portraying the role of John Dutton, the formidable owner of the renowned Montana ranch and the central figure in a family driven by ambition.
Season 5 encountered numerous setbacks, including production delays and internal disputes, leading to Costner’s surprising departure from Yellowstone. His departure was prompted by his decision to direct a grand four-movie Western saga, which ultimately resulted in the mainline show concluding after the ongoing season while other projects were set in motion for development.
Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Contract Comes To An End
Insider has recently provided a noteworthy update regarding Kevin Costner’s ongoing divorce proceedings with Christine Baumgartner. This update includes court documents that contain an official confirmation from the actor himself, stating that his contract for Yellowstone has come to an end prior to his departure in Season 5.
According to the documents, Costner will receive compensation solely through “back-end contractual participation,” which presumably refers to his involvement in the production of the show’s remaining episodes.
“I will earn substantially less in 2023 than I did in 2022. This is because I am no longer under contract for Yellowstone, the principal source of my income last year. Now, any compensation I earn from Yellowstone will derive only from my back-end contractual participation rights, which amounts are not fixed. The most recent report from the producer for Yellowstone shows I am not now owed any participation money.”
This has raised questions about Yellowstone’s survival after the actor’s exit. Considering that Costner was the primary attraction for audiences when Yellowstone made its debut in 2018, one of the most pressing inquiries arising from his departure is whether the franchise can endure in his absence.
Kevin Costner Was The Biggest Draw For Yellowstone
The initial triumph of the mainline show played a pivotal role in not only instilling Paramount with the belief to expand the Yellowstone universe through prequel spinoffs like 1883 and 1923 but also to distribute these two streaming-exclusive releases via Paramount+ rather than relying solely on the existing viewership of Paramount Network.
Nevertheless, it is evident that the decision to launch the Yellowstone prequels on the streaming platform has proven to be a successful move, as they have managed to establish themselves and gain momentum. This success is exemplified by the season 2 renewal of 1923 and the forward progression of multiple spinoff projects by creator Taylor Sheridan.
Interestingly, both prequel shows have received greater critical acclaim right from the start, surpassing the initial mixed reviews that accompanied Yellowstone’s first season. However, it is worth noting that Yellowstone has managed to improve its reception with subsequent seasons. The studio’s gamble with the streaming-exclusive releases has undeniably paid off.
Yellowstone can be streamed on Fubo TV.
Source: Screenrant
