Kevin Costner claims 'the scripts never came' as 'Yellowstone' resumes filming season 5

CANNES, FRANCE: Kevin Costner has opened up about his abrupt departure from the hit TV series 'Yellowstone,' attributing his exit to significant delays and a lack of support from the show's producers.

In a revealing interview with GQ for their Summer Issue, Costner discussed the ongoing issues that led to his departure, coinciding with the world premiere of his new Western epic, 'Horizon,' at the Cannes Film Festival.

Kevin Costner breaks silence on 'Yellowstone' exit amid production resumption

Costner explained that despite his commitment to the series, he felt "stymied" due to continuous delays in receiving scripts for the show's fifth season. "I've always wanted to do this movie," Costner said, referring to 'Horizon,' adding that he believed it was possible to balance both projects. "I was doing Yellowstone. I love Yellowstone."

Radar Online reports that production on 'Yellowstone' has resumed in Montana for the second half of its fifth season after being halted by the dual writers' and actors' strikes. The show has been mired in controversy, including disputes between Costner and creator Taylor Sheridan over creative differences.

Additionally, Cole Hauser, another series star, faced a lawsuit from Sheridan over alleged copyright infringement, which further fueled rumors of tension on set. Sheridan has since dropped the lawsuit.

Costner, who invested $38 million into 'Horizon,' emphasized his dedication to the project despite personal challenges, including a high-profile divorce from his wife, Christine Baumgartner.

"We very rarely started when we said we would and we didn't finish when we said we would," Costner noted about "Yellowstone's" production schedule. "And I was okay with that, but it wasn't a trend that could continue for me."

The upcoming episodes chronicle the characters and the Dutton family's journey "amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect."

The actor expressed his desire to contribute to the end of season five, but was unable to because "the scripts never came."

"And so then at one point they said to me that we don't have an ending or anything."

"Well, if you want to kill me, if you want to do something like that, I said, I have a week before I start. I'll do what you want to do," the actor explained, although a spokesperson for Paramount refuted his account of this exchange.

Costner expressed disappointment over how the situation was handled publicly. "My big disappointment is I never heard Paramount or 101 really come to my defense and say, that's not true. He was going to do three more seasons," he shared.

"That's really f*****g bothered me, that none of them would actually try to set the record straight."

In response, a representative for Paramount acknowledged Costner's contributions to the series, stating, "While we had hoped that we would continue working with him, unfortunately, we could not find a window that worked for him, all the other talent, and our production needs in order to move forward together. We respect that Kevin has prioritized his new film series and we wish him the best."

Despite these challenges, Costner remains focused on 'Horizon,' which received a lengthy standing ovation at Cannes.

Kevin Costner's 'Horizon' receives historic ovation at Cannes Film Festival

Kevin Costner experienced a deeply emotional moment at the Cannes Film Festival as his latest directorial endeavor, 'Horizon: An American Saga,' received a remarkable reception. The 77th annual festival witnessed a standout moment when the 69-year-old actor was met with a 10-minute standing ovation following the premiere of his film.

Costner, visibly moved by the overwhelming support, expressed his gratitude to the audience, particularly highlighting the presence of his seven children alongside him. "Such good people, Such a good moment, not just for me, but for the actors who came with me, for people who believed in me, who continued to work," Costner remarked during his speech at Cannes.

In a candid moment, Costner joked with the Cannes crowd, apologizing for the length of their applause before delivering a heartfelt message. "It's a funny business, and I'm so glad I found it. There's no place like here," he shared, reflecting on his journey in the film industry.

Costner's Cannes experience was made even more special by the presence of his children, who stood by his side throughout the festival. Before joining his 'Horizon' castmates for a standing ovation, Costner proudly posed on the red carpet with five of his seven children, expressing his gratitude for their support and admiration for their elegance and grace.

“I'll never forget this. Neither with my children. They all look so beautiful, dressed up so nice, the women, the men. They're so handsome," the actor said.