“I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. That’s always where it was headed is like, what do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?
“He’s a big presence, man, guy’s an icon. So not having him around to set felt a little different. But as always, I mean, we’re a big family now. It was just as special and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much … I think they will be able to.”
Cole Hauser also told TVLine that the second part of season 5 is “intense, full-on”, while Kelly Reilly described it as “emotional” and “raw”.
For more information about what to expect from Yellowstone season 5 part 2, read on.
Yellowstone season 5 part 2 release date: When can I watch it?
Season 5 part 2 arrives in the US on Sunday 10th November on Paramount Network at 8/7c.
Those of you in the UK can watch it from Monday 11th November on Paramount Plus from 8am.
Yellowstone season 5: Who’s returning?
In huge news, Kevin Costner will not be back as John Dutton.
In a video he shared via social media, he said: “I want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on [Western movie] 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 realised 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.”
Costner also elaborated on the reasons for his departure in an interview with Deadline.
He claimed: “I made a contract for seasons 5, 6 and 7. In February, after a two or three-month negotiation, they made another contract. They wanted to redo that one, and instead of seasons 6 and 7, it was 5A and 5B, and maybe we’ll do 6.
“They weren’t able to make those. Horizon was set in the middle, but Yellowstone was first position. I fit [Horizon] into the gaps. They just kept moving their gaps.”
But Costner did tell TODAY that he would like to return if the environment was right.
“I’ve supported that thing and I’ve loved it,” he said. “It’s been really important to me. I would love to go back under the right circumstances I think that all of us want. For me, it really needs to be the right circumstances.”
“Saying there’s a chance, there’s always a chance,” he continued. “I love the thing. You’ve got to be really clear about that.”
But plenty of familiar faces will be back for the next batch of episodes, including:
- Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
- Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton
- Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
- Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton
- Kelsey Asbille Chow as Monica Dutton
- Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater
- Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton
Jefferson White also confirmed he’ll be returning in part 2 as Jimmy Hurdstrom.
There’s also:
- Forrie J Smith as Lloyd Pierce
- Denim Richards as Colby Mayfield
- Ian Bohen as Ryan
- Ryan Bingham as Walker
- Finn Little as Carter
- Jacki Weaver as Caroline Warner
- Piper Perabo as Summer Higgins
Yellowstone season 5 part 2 plot: What will happen?
Yellowstone director Christina Voros said that “John Dutton is still central” to the show, even though he’s no longer around.
“I think the reason people are wondering, ‘Is he, isn’t he? Where is he, where is he not?’ is because he is the patriarch, and his presence is an essential component to the story. John Dutton is still central,” she told TV Line.
Speaking about directing the final episodes, she added: “It made me feel really lucky to get to direct it. Taylor always has a sense of where something is going to end, and the joy is watching him find how we get there.
“So all I can say is… I felt tremendously grateful to be a part of telling this chapter in the story.”
In an interview with TV Guide (via TV Line), Hauser said that the next instalment “is about picking up the pieces… putting them back together and trying to move on”.
“My storyline is totally different. Kelly’s as well,” he added.
“You’re going to see a side of Rip you haven’t seen. He’s running the ranch, being supportive of Beth, helping Kayce, doing all the things that John would want. He takes the responsibility very seriously, and I love that about this year for him.”
Yellowstone season 5 trailer: When can I watch it?
You can watch the full trailer for Yellowstone season 5 part 2 right now.
