So…was the plan always to do the final arc of this Yellowstone story without Costner’s John? It seems like it, and I get why. I love the idea of writing off John Dutton and forcing his kids – Beth, Jamie and Kayce – to figure out who will get the ranch.

While the star has confirmed he's not returning for the upcoming season, he recently revealed, "I think that story is not finished.”

Kevin Costner will not be playing John Dutton in the final episodes of Yellowstone’s fifth season, and that’s old news. However, questions still remain about how the show will continue without him. Now,

Yellowstone stars Kelly Reilly and Kevin Costner became close friends after working on the set of the neo-western drama.