- Kevin Costner is trying everything to get his character back on "Yellowstone."
- However, research shows viewers aren't too keen on John Dutton anymore.
Kevin Costner may desperately want to return to "Yellowstone" but many viewers simply don't care about the head Dutton clan member as much as they did five years ago.
In May, it was confirmed "Yellowstone" would officially end with season 5. Both Costner and "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan said that his departure stemmed from disagreements about conflicting schedules. Costner is filming a movie series called "Horizon: An American Saga" and said recently that Sheridan's decision to split season five into two parts was the reason he left.
However, Costner — who is also engaged in a public divorce with wife Christine Baumgartner — is reportedly insisting on a return to the hit show, per a report from Puck.
When meeting with Sheridan in July to discuss his possible return, Puck reported the actor brought out stipulations, including a larger paycheck and significant control of scripts. The demands did not go over well with Sheridan, Puck News reported.
The outlet noted that whether or not Costner returns probably doesn't matter to audiences. According to social media analytics firm ListenFirst, the term "John Dutton" drove 44% of views for the show during its first season. During its latest season, that number dropped to 14%. Puck also cited Paramount viewer studies that suggested audiences would not mind if the show moved away from Costner.
Instead, Costner has been outshined by characters like his fictional daughter Beth, played by Kelly Reilly, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Regardless, it does not appear that Costner will return to the show anytime soon.
During a September 1 divorce hearing concerning child support, Costner said he would consider suing the show for his pay for the second half of season 5, per Puck.
Costner said in a previous court filing for his divorce that he was meant to receive "back-end contractual participation rights" for the show but said that "so far in 2023 I have yet to receive any participation compensation from 'Yellowstone.'"
Unnamed sources told Puck that Costner was already paid for season 5B, but he believes that Paramount is in breach of its contract because it revoked the return offer for future seasons.
Costner's threat to sue most likely led Chris McCarthy, CEO of Paramount Networks Media Networks, to give up on the idea that Costner would come back and negotiate a return, Puck reported.
Representatives for Costner did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider sent outside regular business hours.