The Kevin Costner-led Yellowstone series has been in limbo since the first part of the fifth season finished airing in January 2023 on the Paramount Network. There has been no official announcement regarding when the second part of the season will premiere. The production of the second part of the series has not been completed due to many factors including the reported on-set drama between Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan. Now, with the ongoing Hollywood strikes, the future of the series is unknown and remains to be seen.
The revelation of the conflict between Costner and Sheridan created quite a stir among fans of the series who want to see their beloved John Dutton return for the second part of the series. The conflict seems to be majorly stemming from the question of ownership, and who controls and overall direction of the series going forward. Now, it is being revealed that Costner had a set of rules and a ‘Moral Death’ clause that he insisted on and remained firm on.
Kevin Costner’s Demands and His ‘Moral Death’ Clause
Kevin Costner has carried Yellowstone for five seasons, making it one of the most beloved and acclaimed TV series of all time. His character of John Dutton has become embedded in the minds of people and will always remain one of the best characters ever in a TV series. It seems he has taken some level of ownership of the show due to its huge success and laid out some rules that he wants the studio and the makers of the show should abide by. Amidst the news about the conflict between him and Taylor Sheridan, details regarding his demands have come out.
As laid out by the outlet Puck, he had a long list of demands for the makers of the series including an increase in his salary, limiting the amount of time on sets and his schedules during production. He also wanted a say in the scripting stages and the overall direction of the show moving forward. Interestingly the outlet signifies a ‘Moral Death’ clause that he firmly insisted upon the makers of the show and Paramount.
This would allow him to have control over how his character John Dutton would die( if they ever decided to). This would prevent him from having a rather embarrassing or underwhelming death when compared to the success that he has brought to the series.
The Future of Yellowstone Seems Laid Out, With or Without Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner’s involvement in the second part of the fifth season of Yellowstone is up in the air after the news of his conflict with Taylor Sheridan. But this has not stopped the makers from making and announcing other stories connected to the show. With the mothership series, Yellowstone confirmed to conclude after the end of season 5, fans can also look forward and enjoy these stories.
The prequel spinoffs 1883 and 1923 were received very well by audiences. 1923 is returning for a second season. Plus additional spinoffs were also announced including, one from 1883 called Lawmen: Bass Reeves and a present-day spinoff called 6666. After the end of the fifth season, Yellowstone will be followed by a sequel series starring Matthew McConaughey.
All 5 seasons of Yellowstone, the first seasons of 1883 and 1923 are streaming on Paramount+.
Source: Puck
