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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.