Kevin Costner was a big reason why Yellowstone was so great, but what motivated him to agree to be a part of the series is also why it was a triumph.

The TV show created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson debuted in 2018 and ran for five seasons and 53 episodes before ending in 2024. Of course, some parts of Yellowstone were better than others. Still, the series was a massive success overall, as it kickstarted a franchise, was beloved by millions, and revitalized the Western genre.

 So, Costner made a good choice when he signed on to play John Dutton III.

A Custom Image of Kevin Costner as John Dutton against a blue background in Yellowstone

Taylor Sheridan has many Yellowstone spinoffs in the works, including The Madison, an untitled Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler spinoff, an untitled Kayce Dutton spinoff, 1944, and 6666.

Unfortunately, Costner left Yellowstone ahead of season 5, part 2, unofficially resulting in its cancelation. The show simply doesn’t work without the actor and his iconic character, as witnessed by its final six episodes.

Nevertheless, Yellowstone remains one of the most influential, game-changing TV series of late, and Costner recognized its greatness before it even premiered.

Kevin Costner Agreed To Yellowstone Because It Was “Raw” And “Dysfunctional”

Costner Was Impressed With The Script

During an interview with Variety in 2022, Kevin Costner explained why he said “yes” to Yellowstone. His reasoning is exactly why the show was so successful and why its legacy will live on even after its ending. 

Costner revealed that he was captivated by Yellowstone after reading the pilot’s script for the first time. He told Variety:

“I saw that the dialogue had a fun, realistic approach to it. It was raw. It was dysfunctional. And it was set against the backdrop of mountains and rivers and valleys and people on horseback, which is very appealing.”

Yellowstone‘s “raw” and “dysfunctional” authenticity is why it appealed to so many. It wasn’t a glorified depiction of the West, nor did it rely on stereotypical Western tropes and themes to drive its story and define its characters.

Instead, Yellowstone modernized the Western genre, making it more relatable (to a certain degree, as the show was still a drama, after all, and had to be entertaining). So, the reason why Costner signed on to play John Dutton III is also why the series thrived as much as it did.

John Dutton (Kevin Costner) in Yellowstone, Spencer and Alex Dutton in 1923

Yellowstone’s Unique Approach To Westerns May Have Changed The Genre Forever

Hollywood Is Experiencing A Western Renaissance

In the wake of Yellowstone‘s accomplishments, more Western TV shows and movies are being made. Streaming services and production companies are attempting to recreate the success of Taylor Sheridan’s series, proving how it has completely reinvented Westerns in the modern age. The Paramount Network show combined complex characters and family dynamics with classic themes, guaranteeing that it could appeal to various audiences. Ultimately, if it weren’t for the series, it’s unclear what state the Western genre would be in. However, thanks to Yellowstone, the genre is experiencing a resurgence in Hollywood.