Kevin Costner comments on the aftermath of his Yellowstone departure, claiming that no one defended him. Costner left Yellowstone midway through season 5, in favor of working on his personal project, the Western film series Horizon. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 and Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2 are set for release on June 28 and August 16, respectively. Yellowstone season 5, part 2 carried on without Costner and will be released by the end of the year.

Speaking with People, Costner provides his response to the fallout of his departure from Yellowstone season 5. He was “disappointed” that no one stood up for him when he decided to leave Yellowstone. The actor felt it unfair that people dwelled on what had “[hadn’t] done” rather than all the time and effort that he did put in for the series. He noted that no one “ever stepped up to defend what it was [he] actually did for them.” Check out the full quote from Costner below:

I read all the stories. was disappointed that nobody on their side… ever stepped up to defend what it was I actually did for them. There came a moment where I thought, ‘Wow, when is somebody going to say something about what I have done versus what I haven’t done?’

What Does This Mean For Costner’s Potential Yellowstone Return?

While Costner is unlikely to return for Yellowstone season 5, part 2, the actor has not completely closed off the possibility of ever returning to the Yellowstone universe. Since leaving the show, he has been fairly complimentary of the series despite having left. For example, he said earlier this month that Yellowstone “was just a really great script,” citing this as a reason that he was attracted to the project initially. In April, the actor said he would be willing to return to Yellowstone even though the specifics of that had not been worked out with the team.

Costner’s recent statements about Yellowstone, however, make it seem like the actor feels some lingering negativity towards his departure. In this most recent quote, Costner seems upset over how the Yellowstone team reacted to his leave, which does not bode well for his potential to return to said team. The actor did, however, recently reiterate his love for the series, saying that he would go back “under the right circumstances.”

Costner was not clear about exactly what circumstances would justify his return, but Sheridan’s franchise has ample opportunity for Costner to return. The main story of Yellowstone is closing out after season 5, but several of the main cast members are scheduled to return for the modern-day Yellowstone spinoff series. With production not yet started on this show, the series could have time to refine scripts to Costner’s liking, and present him with a filming schedule that is more in line with his needs.

Source: People