In the second half of the fifth and final season of “Yellowstone,” fans were shocked to discover that Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, had been killed off. The episode opened with his daughter Beth Dutton finding his house as a crime scene and being told he was “gone.” It was later revealed that he had died from a gunshot wound. Despite John’s death being ruled a suicide, it was shown that he was actually murdered by a hitman hired by another character, Jamie Dutton.
Executive producer Christina Voros revealed that keeping Costner’s character’s passing a secret was difficult, as they referred to it as an “arrival” instead of a death. They used a body double for Costner’s character in the death scene to avoid showing his face. Voros praised writer Taylor Sheridan’s choice to focus on the aftermath of the character’s death rather than the incident itself, calling it incredibly brave.
Costner had announced his exit from the show in May of the same year, with news of his departure spreading before the premiere of the second half of the season. He later confirmed his departure to fans, stating that he wanted to take the guessing out of the equation and avoid creating unnecessary drama. Despite his character’s death, “Yellowstone” continues to air on Paramount Network on Sundays at 8 p.m.
Fans of “Yellowstone” expressed their disappointment and frustration over John Dutton’s death, with many criticizing the decision as “lame.” However, some fans acknowledged that they had expected the character’s fate. The show’s fanbase was divided over the controversial move, with many feeling that John Dutton was an integral part of the show and that his absence would be deeply felt.
The show’s creators believed that the decision to kill off John Dutton was a bold and testament to the faith they had in the characters and the actors. By focusing on how the characters navigate the aftermath of the death rather than the death itself, they aimed to explore the depths of the characters’ emotions and relationships. Despite the backlash from fans, the show continued to move forward with the remaining episodes of the final season.
As the final season of “Yellowstone” continued to air, fans remained divided over the death of John Dutton. Some were critical of the decision, while others appreciated the bold storytelling choices made by the show’s creators. The aftermath of John Dutton’s death continued to play out in the remaining episodes, exploring how the characters cope with the loss of a central figure in the series. Ultimately, the show continued to capture the attention of viewers despite the controversial decision to kill off a beloved character.
