Is Kevin Costner coming back to Yellowstone? Everything you need to know about season five part two – following lead star’s negotiation drama and strike delays

Yellowstone fans have been patiently waiting for the next chapter of their beloved series to return, after months of behind-the-scenes drama dominating the headlines.

The fifth season was set to return for a second installment last year, but negotiations surrounding the return of lead Kevin Costner and a historic double whammy in Hollywood have left the show in a state of limbo.

The series, which follows the Dutton family on their Yellowstone ranch, has been a huge hit for Paramount and even earned Costner a Golden Globe last year.

Despite being the most watched show on cable and television, its future is shrouded in confusion and mystery.

Here’s what we know so far about the next chapter:

Will KEVIN COSTNER return?

It doesn’t look like leading man Kevin, who plays family patriarch John Dutton, will be returning for the second half of season five.

Costner, who was fighting child support with his ex-wife Christine Baumgartner, said in court documents related to the case that he had “finished his work” on the show last year, according to Us Weekly. His legal team added that Costner “is not involved in any future episodes.”

It comes after months of reported behind-the-scenes drama and negotiations between Kevin, showrunner Taylor Sheridan and Paramount, with the actor reportedly hoping to cut back on his Yellowstone schedule to direct the first of his four-part Western series Horizon.

It was reported earlier this year by Fun Tonight The fifth season would be Kevin’s last with Yellowstone.

While on the stand during a child support hearing in September, he revealed that he decided to leave the show after a ‘long and hard-fought negotiation’ to turn the fifth season into two parts, according to People.

He also claimed that he had wanted to appear in season six but was unable to ‘help them anymore’. We tried to negotiate, they offered me less money than previous seasons, there were problems with creativity…’

The actor also instructed his representatives to ‘pay me whatever number’ before walking away from the role for good. “We came up with a number and they (Yellowstone) left,” he added. He estimated that the figure offered was $12 million.

“I’ve been told it’s a bit disappointing that (it’s) the number 1 show on TV, I’m not taking part,” he said.

PREMIERE DATE

The second half of season five has seen some premiere date changes, but it now looks like it won’t be returning until 2024.

IS THIS THE LAST SEASON OF YELLOWSTONE?

Yes, Paramount has revealed that the current fifth season will be the show’s last.

HOW MANY NEXT EPISODES?

While it is not known exactly how many episodes the fifth season will be, the next chapter was slated for six episodes.

However, Sheridan has said that he could write even more to properly wrap up the show.

“If I think it takes 10 episodes to finish, they’ll give me 10,” Sheridan previously said. The Hollywood Reporter. “It will be as long as it takes.”

RETURN OF THE CAST

Cast members fans can expect to see return are Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Kelsey Asbille, Cole Hauser, Wendy Moniz and Denim Richards, according to Men’s Health.

WHAT WILL THE STORY BE LIKE FOR THE SECOND PART?

With the first half of the season focusing on John Dutton and Jamie Dutton’s feud, fans can expect to see more of her acting in the second half.

Last year, Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly teased some of what they had in store for their newlywed characters, Rip and Beth.

“What I love about what (Taylor Sheridan) wrote is that it’s a slow burn this year with me and Beth,” Cole said. Entertainment Weekly. “In the beginning, there are some great moments between the two of us, some things that she’s going through in her past that she has to come to terms with for the first time, and me trying to help her through that.”

“The fight feels internal this year for him,” Reilly said. “(She’s) haunted by the past, afraid of the future and struggling with everything she has for the present moment.”

Beth has always been devoted to Rip. Marriage doesn’t change that. I think his love for her and her love for him is one of the few things that keeps her demons at bay (mostly),’ Reilly also said.

HOW DOES MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY PLAY IN THIS?

Matthew McConaughey is set to star in a new Yellowstone spin-off. It follows two other successful spin-offs Sheridan has created for the show.

1883 stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as the original Dutton pioneers who settle in Wyoming after the tragic death of their daughter, Elsa, played by Isabel May.

1923, starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, has also been renewed for a second season. It follows the Dutton family struggling with a changing landscape in the early 20th century.