5 ways 'Yellowstone' fans think Kevin Costner's John Dutton will be written off the show

The fate of Kevin Costner's 'Yellowstone' character, John Dutton, has been up for speculation ever since the actor announced his exit from the show
PUBLISHED FEB 28, 2024
Kevin Costner wouldn't be returning to 'Yellowstone' after Season 5 (Paramount Network)
Kevin Costner wouldn't be returning to 'Yellowstone' after Season 5 (Paramount Network)

5 fan theories on how Kevin Costner's John Dutton will be written off 'Yellowstone'

Kevin Costner as John Dutton in 'Yellowstone' (IMDb)
Kevin Costner starred as John Dutton on 'Yellowstone' (Paramount Network)

After Kevin Costner made it clear that he wouldn't be returning to film part two of the fifth season of 'Yellowstone' due to a schedule conflict, fans started to speculate the possible routes the show might take to bid farewell to the fan-favorite character, John Dutton III. Here are five theories regarding how John Dutton will be written off 'Yellowstone'. 

1. Kevin Costner's John Dutton might get killed off-screen

The character may get killed offscreen (Paramount Network)
John Dutton might get killed off-screen (Paramount Network)

While it is not the most favored solution for Costner's departure from 'Yellowstone', several fans have speculated that John Dutton III may face an off-screen death, leading to the character getting written off the show, as per OK! Magazine. If the rumors surrounding the lead character's off-screen death come true, it will leave countless fans unsatisfied.

2. 'Yellowstone' may promote Rip Wheeler as the Dutton ranch's new leader

Cole Hauser's Rip may replace Kevin Costner's character (Paramount Network)
Cole Hauser's Rip Wheeler may become the lead after the death of Kevin Costner's John Dutton (Paramount Network)

Many fans are also disposed to thinking that Cole Hauser's character Rip Wheeler may become the leader of the Dutton ranch after the inevitable on-screen or off-screen death of John Dutton III. If Rip becomes the new leader, the storyline will automatically shift its focus to establish him as the primary character. Some 'Yellowstone' fans have also added to the widely speculated theory that Rip, who immensely respects his father figure, John Dutton III, would take revenge for whatever causes his death.

3. Kevin Costner's John Dutton may get killed by his children

Children may kill (Paramount Network )
John Dutton III's children might be behind his death (Paramount Network )

If John Dutton III faces an on-screen death, several fans are speculating that his children, Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Jamie (Wes Bentley), would be instrumental in it. Many believe that the siblings, known for their contentious relationship, might kill off their father during one of their conflicts. 

4. John Dutton's cancer may return

John Dutton III's health scare (Paramount Network)
John Dutton III's colon cancer might be brought back to write off the character (Paramount Network)

Several fans hold the opinion that the return of John Dutton's colon cancer might be instrumental in the character's death. While the plot played an important role in the first season of 'Yellowstone' that focused on the succession of the Dutton ranch, the producers may take the easy route and reprise the storyline to write off the character permanently. 

5. Kevin Costner's John Dutton may just bid adieu to his beloved ranch

Bidding adieu to the ranch (Paramount Network)
John Dutton III may have to leave his beloved ranch for the show to progress (Paramount Network)

Several 'Yellowstone' fans have also opined in the past that John Dutton, not only the owner of the largest ranch in America but also the newly elected governor of Montana, may have to bid farewell to his beloved property. Costner's character's leaving the ranch, in turn, will pave the way for establishing Rip Wheeler as the new leader.

MORE STORIES

The post Khloe Kardashian liked featured Charlie Kirk speaking with a fan at an event about his devout Christian faith
Sep 13, 2025
Whitney Cummings sparked widespread outrage after posting a controversial tweet about the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
Sep 13, 2025
Prince Harry was spotted entering King Charles’s London residence, months after saying his father had ignored his calls
Sep 11, 2025
Rosie O'Donnell said Ellen DeGeneres’ friendship denial hurt so much she printed T-shirts for her staff reading, 'I don’t know Rosie, we’re not friends'
Sep 10, 2025
A post alleged that Karoline Leavitt called Patti LaBelle 'just a singer,' leading LaBelle to deliver a seven-word response that froze the studio
Sep 10, 2025
Jennifer Lopez feels free channeling emotions into music, but Ben Affleck is embarrassed and sees it as crossing a line, according to the source
Sep 9, 2025
Howard Stern added that he missed last week’s show due to illness, not contract talks, and addressed rumors of being fired from his own show
Sep 9, 2025
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement in August 2025 triggered a wave of pregnancy chatter after an ultrasound photo went viral
Sep 9, 2025
Ed Sheeran, 34, revealed that he was leaving Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters, Lyra and Jupiter
Sep 9, 2025
From Ice Spice’s chaotic corset to Paris Hilton’s flame dress, see the celebs who landed on the worst-dressed list at the 2025 VMAs
Sep 8, 2025