In a surprising turn of events, Hollywood actor Kevin Costner has publicly voiced his discontent with the producers of the hit TV series “Yellowstone” and has even threatened legal action. This revelation came during a child support hearing related to Costner’s ongoing divorce proceedings from his wife, Christine Baumgartner.
Costner, who has been a central figure in the success of “Yellowstone” since its launch in 2018, expressed his frustration with the show’s producers during the court hearing. He shed light on his growing dissatisfaction with the project, which had been previously reported back in February. At that time, it was suggested that Costner might leave the series due to scheduling conflicts, as he had become less available for shooting over the years.
However, during the recent hearing, Costner revealed that he had adjusted his schedule to accommodate the filming of the first part of “Yellowstone” Season 5. This decision led him to divert his attention from his own four-part movie franchise, beginning with “Horizon: An American Saga.”
The root of the dispute seems to revolve around the compensation for the second half of Season 5. Costner claimed that, based on a “pay or play” clause, he was entitled to a $12 million payout for this portion of the season, like what he was supposed to receive for the first half. When questioned about whether he would receive this salary, Costner bluntly stated, “I will probably go to court over it.”
The negotiations surrounding Season 5 appear to be the primary catalyst for Costner’s exit from the series. He expressed his disappointment in not being able to contribute to the show’s continued success, especially considering its status as the #1 show on TV.
Costner’s departure marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of “Yellowstone.” Paramount Global’s MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, with Taylor Sheridan as the executive producer, produce the show. Costner’s exit has raised questions about the series’ future, especially given his stature as one of the highest-paid actors in episodic TV.
As of now, neither MTV Entertainment Studios nor Costner’s legal team has offered any official comments on the matter. The legal battle comes at a time when “Yellowstone” is set to conclude, with the final episodes originally scheduled for November. However, the recent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have thrown the show’s timeline into uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, Paramount has announced an untitled sequel series to “Yellowstone,” which is expected to feature some of the original show’s characters. This new series will premiere on Paramount Network and Paramount+, further expanding the “Yellowstone” universe.
As the legal battle between Costner and “Yellowstone” producers unfolds, fans are left wondering about the fate of the iconic series and the impact of Costner’s departure on its future.