The sprawling vistas of Yellowstone National Park with its majestic wildlife and the iconic figure of John Dutton overseeing it all—it’s a scene that has become synonymous with gripping drama and Kevin Costner’s indelible portrayal. Trying to imagine Yellowstone without Costner is akin to picturing the Dutton ranch devoid of its defining cattle herds—a scenario that loyal fans of the series find nearly inconceivable.
The cliffhanger that concluded Yellowstone season 5 part 1, has left fans filled with speculation & concern. Could the series truly capture its essence without Costner’s presence as the patriarch? Rumors of scheduling conflicts and behind-the-scenes turmoil have only fueled the fire of curiosity.
As a result, the devoted viewers are reflecting on Yellowstone’s fate and drawing comparisons to other epic series finales. This begs the question: Will the show create its own legendary ending, or will it follow in the footsteps of Game of Thrones’ critically panned finale?
Is Yellowstone Heading Toward a Game of Thrones Ending?
Few things in the world of TV drama can match the breathtaking highs and heartbreaking lows of programs like Game of Thrones. But could Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner, be gearing up for a finale that rivals the controversial ending of GoT? Well, according to a fan theory circulating on Reddit, it’s a possibility worth considering.
Going with this theory: John Dutton, the stoic and beloved patriarch of the Dutton family, riding on his trusty steed ‘Silver’ towards a giant fish tank on the ranch. As he leaps over the tank in a futile attempt to save his son from the clutches of corrupt developers, a sniper shot shatters the glass, releasing a shark that devours the villains.
In a tragic twist of fate, John collapses from a heart attack, leaving his family and faithful companion Rip to mourn his loss. Meanwhile, Beth takes matters into her own hands, dispatches her treacherous brother Jamie with a deadly weapon, and says,“Prison rules b*tch”.
Much like the backlash against the finale of Game of Thrones (which included a lot of deaths), losing a central figure like Costner could leave a void that’s hard to fill. Anyway, this fan theory may be outlandish, but it underscores the fear that Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone could suffer the same fate as Game of Thrones by losing its main character in the final episodes.
Since Costner left the show, as we all know, if the makers still want to keep John’s character, they will need to find a new actor or have Josh Lucas (who played young John) return and use CGI to age him. However, the thought of Costner being replaced or aged via CGI is unsettling for fans who have come to love his portrayal of John Dutton.
How Did Game of Thrones Lose Its Spark with the Infamous Ending?
Game of Thrones, which has been hailed as a masterpiece of storytelling, fell from grace in the eyes of many fans with its lackluster finale. The ending of the eight-season run show came under fire, leading to a petition demanding a remake that garnered hundreds of thousands of signatures (see NBC News).
Disappointment and even rage seemed to be the general reactions to the finale, despite the shock, the memes, and the justification for those who correctly predicted the conclusion. Dr. Laurel Steinberg, a New York-based fan, explained that the negative reaction to a show’s finale can stem from a deep-seated emotional attachment that fans develop with the characters (via NBC News).
For the uninitiated, in the eighth season of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow killed Daenerys Targaryen in order to prevent another despot from occupying the Iron Throne. Fans disagreed over this melancholy turn of events that occurred throughout the episode.
While the future of Yellowstone may be uncertain, we can’t deny that the show will always hold a special place in the hearts of its dedicated fans, no matter how it all ends. And without Kevin Costner, the future of the Dutton family and the entire series hangs in the balance. Also, let’s just hope that the Reddit theory remains nothing more than a playful joke!
Yellowstone Season 5’s second part will air on November 10, 2024.
You can stream Yellowstone on Paramount+, while Game of Thrones is available on Max.
