Yellowstone is preparing to release its final season, and despite vocal protests from fans, there’s no reversing this decision.

The beloved series is coming to a close, and viewers must brace themselves to say goodbye—especially since the show will end without its central star, Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton.

Why is Yellowstone ending early, and why will it finish without John Dutton? The primary reason is Costner’s departure from the series. Amid a messy divorce and a reported falling out with show creator Taylor Sheridan, Costner is unlikely to return for the final season’s filming. This puts the writers and producers in a difficult position: how do you end a show so focused on John Dutton without the actor who made the role iconic?

Fans have been busy speculating about how Yellowstone could wrap up John Dutton’s story without Costner’s presence. Here are some of the most discussed theories:

**1. John Dutton Leaves to Protect the Ranch**

One theory suggests John Dutton will be written out by having him leave Montana to protect the Yellowstone Ranch. In season five, Jamie Dutton called for John’s impeachment as governor, putting John under investigation.

If things go badly, John might be forced to leave the state to avoid criminal charges, distancing himself from the ranch to keep it out of legal jeopardy. This scenario lets the show remove John from the story while making his absence logical and meaningful.

**2. John Dutton Is Killed Off**

Another popular theory is that the season could open with John Dutton’s death, possibly at the hands of one of his children. The show could use a time jump, revealing that Jamie, Beth, or Kayce has killed John.

Jamie, in particular, seems the most likely candidate given recent events. This approach echoes how other prestige dramas, like Succession, have handled the off-screen death of a central character. It would be a bold move, but it could work if handled with the right emotional weight.

**3. John Dutton Dies in an Accident**

A third possibility is that John Dutton dies in an accident, such as a car crash. Although creator Taylor Sheridan has previously said he avoids cliché car crashes, the tension between him and Costner might tempt him to make an exception.

This would allow the show to write John out quickly, though some fans worry it would feel like a cheap and unsatisfying end for such a significant character.

**4. John Dutton Disappears into Obscurity**

The final theory is that the show will simply gloss over John’s fate, perhaps mentioning he’s in jail or otherwise out of the picture, and then moving on. This is considered the least likely option, as Yellowstone’s fanbase would likely see it as lazy storytelling and a disservice to the character and viewers alike.

These are the main theories circulating about how Yellowstone could conclude without Kevin Costner. Each has its pros and cons, but whatever happens, fans hope the show gives John Dutton—and the series as a whole—the ending it deserves.

How do you think Yellowstone should end without John Dutton? Share your thoughts in the comments!