Kevin Costner Reps Were ‘Begging’ For Actor’s Return To Yellowstone

The drama relating to Yellowstone and its lead actor, Kevin Costner, never seems to end. According to a new report by Puck News, the actor’s representatives were “basically begging” show boss Taylor Sheridan to let him return for part 2 of season 5 of the modern Western series. Read on to find out what we know.

Kevin Costner’s reps ‘begging’ for his return to Yellowstone

What with the drama with Kevin Costner’s expensive divorce and the end of Yellowstone with season 5, the headlines keep on coming. The actor’s representative has basically been “begging” Taylor Sheridan and Paramount to take Costner back.

Meanwhile, according to Puck News’ report, Costner’s rep did manage to arrange a phone call between the actor and Sheridan. However, the show’s creator has already written most of part 2 of season 5, assuming the Dances With Wolves actor wouldn’t be back.

Reportedly, Sheridan was willing to rewrite the episodes to bring Costner back. However, he wasn’t so keen on the actor’s other demands. It seems he got too greedy, asking for more money, a reduced shooting schedule and the right to review, approve, and veto every script. It was that final demand that didn’t impress Sheridan. Moreover, this led to the announcement of Costner’s exit shortly thereafter.

‘Moral death’ provision

According to Puck News, Costner has a “moral death” provision in his contract. This provision lists the ways his John Dutton character can or can’t be killed off on the show. Meanwhile, they report that Costner has not yet read the scripts covering his character’s exit and they believe Sheridan’s plan to kill off John Dutton may violate that clause.

On the subject, Sheridan told The Hollywood Reporter in June that he “doesn’t do “f**k-you car crashes” to kill off characters. Reportedly, this statement referred to Patrick Dempsey’s Grey’s Anatomy death after behind-the-scenes drama with the show’s creator, Shonda Rhimes.

At the time, Sheridan told the outlet, “Whether [Dutton’s fate] inflates [Costner’s] ego or insults is collateral damage that I don’t factor in with regard to storytelling.”

Meanwhile, the Costner’s departure from Yellowstone was mentioned in court relating to his divorce from his wife, Christine Baumgartner. During a child support hearing, the actor said he has yet to reach an agreement on his departure from the modern Western series and said that litigation with the network could be coming.