From the very beginning of Yellowstone, creator Taylor Sheridan envisioned a tragic arc for John Dutton, the patriarch played by Kevin Costner. In early versions of the script, John was originally meant to die at the end of the first season, setting off a violent chain of events among the Dutton family and their enemies.
However, Costner’s star power and the show’s growing popularity shifted those plans. As the series became a cultural phenomenon, John Dutton remained central, with his fate delayed to build suspense and deepen character development. Despite ongoing off-screen tension and Costner’s eventual exit from the show, it appears Sheridan is returning to his original vision—John Dutton’s death may be the catalyst for the series’ final chapter.
While the exact details are under wraps, one thing is clear: Dutton’s demise has always been on the table. Now, fans are left wondering not if, but when and how it will finally happen.