Filming has started in Montana for the latter portion of Yellowstone’s fifth and final season, as announced by Paramount Network today, on May 20, 2024. Following its hiatus since January 2023, the series is set to make its return with the concluding episodes scheduled for November this year.
Yellowstone, co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, boasts an ensemble of executive producers including John Linson, Art Linson, Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari, Stephen Kay, Michael Friedman, Christina Voros, and Keith Cox. The neo-Western drama follows the Dutton family, stewards of the biggest cattle ranch in the US. The show is rich in complex relationships, with characters forming and breaking alliances, mysteries that are yet to be solved, tensions that persist without resolution, and a sense of respect that is earned through difficult experiences. Across the series, the Duttons struggle to maintain their ranch against various external pressures, which includes a neighboring town expanding close to their territory, a nearby Indian reservation, and the first American national park.
Kevin Costner, who exited the series last year after portraying John Dutton, is currently at Cannes for the world premiere of his film Horizon: An American Saga, while also filming Chapter 3 of Horizon. In a Cannes press briefing, Costner mentioned taking a break for Cannes and plans to resume filming afterward.
According to an interview conducted by Deadline, Costner is open to the possibility of reprising his role as John Dutton for the final episodes. At the same time, the star emphasized his lack of involvement in the decision-making process of the show. He disclosed that he hadn’t reviewed the final scripts and remains uncertain about his return, acknowledging the series’ potential developments and his own eagerness to partake if circumstances align. While initially envisioning a seven-season run, Costner acknowledged to Entertainment Tonight last month the current projection of five seasons and expressed hope for a return if opportunities arise and align with his comfort level.