What happens to John Dutton in Yellowstone? Kevin Costner exit explained

Warning - this article contains major spoilers for Yellowstone season 5 episode 9.

Fans are demanding explanations after Kevin Costner's six-year stint as John Dutton concluded with a less than six-second ending on Yellowstone. Despite the show's creator Taylor Sheridan being a "fan" of Costner prior to their collaboration, there seems to be tension since the Hollywood star announced his departure after the current season.

The star has confirmed his dedication lies with the Horizon franchise, even after its box office downfall.

Sheridan appears to have taken the actor's departure personally as John Dutton's exit from the screen was shockingly abrupt; he seemingly commits suicide within the first moments of season five, although his family aren't convinced.

This left audiences and even some cast members, including director Christina Voros, stunned by the turn of events.

Voros revealed to The Hollywood Reporter her surprise, stating she didn't "see it coming."

Yet, she supports Sheridan's decision, calling it "incredibly brave", reports .

When discussing the rationale behind the swift onscreen death, Voros commented, "I can't talk to the decision: It's Taylor's . He made the bold decision. It's a tricky question, because I don't want to foreshadow anything that's coming. Because it has to do with the writing."

She also believes not prolonging the inevitable was wise given fans were aware Costner was leaving.

"I think rather than stringing people along to get to a place everyone sees coming, the decision to just open with it is really brave and really interesting," the director adds.

Voros also opened up about Costner's sudden departure, noting that his character's influence will echo through the others.

"In the absence of John, the family has to come together to shoulder the weight of the world, much in the same way as the cast has come together to shoulder the weight of his absence in such a bold and beautiful way," she said.

Voros credited the seamless transition to Sheridan's rapport with the ensemble.

"I think it is testament to his faith in the characters and the actors who embody them to go, 'Let's not make this about the incident. Let's make this about how these human beings exist in the aftermath.' That was more interesting to [Taylor] than the incident itself," she explained.

Yellowstone season 5, part 2 continues Sundays on Paramount and the following Monday on Paramount+.