The actor confirmed he was leaving the Paramount Network show after reports surfaced about behind-the-scenes conflict

“Yellowstone” fans are outraged over how the show handled Kevin Costner’s exit in the Season 5 Part 2 premiere. Minutes into the episode, Costner’s John Dutton is found dead by a gunshot wound. It’s initially believed that he committed suicide.

Kevin Costner has offered his verdict on the return of Yellowstone, which saw his departure from the show. Costner’s time on Taylor Sheridan’s hit series ended in controversy following reports the actor had quit as he wanted to make his Western franchise Horizon – An American Saga instead.