Taylor Sheridan is clearing up some misconceptions about Kevin Costner's controversial exit from Yellowstone.
Back in early 2023, it was reported that Kevin had left his role as ranch owner John Dutton, despite having a contract for two more seasons, because he and Taylor fell out over his availability due to his conflicting project, Horizon.
However, in an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, Taylor claimed Kevin's abrupt exit wasn't because of a behind-the-scenes feud, but because Kevin was never meant to be on the show for its entire run.
"He was only supposed to be in the first three seasons," Taylor said. "That was in his contract. In my mind, that's when his youngest son takes over [on the show].
"But the network was so scared of not having Kevin be a part of it, even though Kevin was ready," he continued.
"He was ready to go. He had other things he wanted to do, but he stayed on for another two seasons."
Taylor said that Kevin decided to continue with the show because it "was such a behemoth," adding: "It was such a huge hit. The notion of giving up a hit before it had run out of juice to squeeze is very foreign to a network.
"There was even pressure from some of the cable companies wanting to put it in their deals, that they were going to get an X-number of seasons of Yellowstone to re-up what this cable company is. That's the power of a really big hit show."
© Getty ImagesKevin ultimately quit the series because he needed to "go do [his] own thing," Taylor noted.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about Kevin's exit at the time, Taylor explained: "I've never had an issue with Kevin that he and I couldn't work out on the phone.
"Once lawyers get involved, then people don't get to talk to each other and start saying things that aren't true and attempt to shift blame based on how the press or public seem to be reacting.
© Paramount"He took a lot of this on the chin, and I don't know that anyone deserves it. [Horizon] seems to be a great priority to him and he wants to shift focus. I sure hope [the movie is] worth it — and that it's a good one."
Kevin's attorney, Marty Singer, also shared details about the situation, saying: "The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of Season 5 of Yellowstone is an absolute lie. It's ridiculous — and anyone suggesting it shouldn't be believed for one second."
© ParamountSpeaking about his decision to ultimately not appear in the final episodes of the show, Kevin told his followers on Instagram: "I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that's required, and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love, I just realized that I'm not going to be able to continue Season 5B or into the future.
"It was something that really changed me. I loved it. And I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning and I love the relationship we've been able to develop and I'll see you at the movies."
