Kevin Costner is not causing drama on Yellowstone, according to his attorney.
Marty Singer, a lawyer for the 68-year-old Oscar-winning actor, defended him against accusations of poor work ethic on the set of the hit series, calling them “an absolute lie.”
The complaints against Costner stemmed from disagreements over filming schedules – he allegedly wanted to shoot only for 50 days for the first part of the fifth season.
For the second part, meanwhile, he wanted to commit to only a week of filming. His unavailability has allegedly caused problems in the production.
Singer denied the reports, telling Puck News, “The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of Season 5 of ‘Yellowstone’ is an absolute lie.”
“It’s ridiculous — and anyone suggesting it shouldn’t be believed for one second,” he added.
On the contrary, Costner “is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone way above and beyond to ensure its success,” the attorney added.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Paramount Network attempted to defuse the issue amid rumors that the Western drama might end due to the Costner situation.
The spokesperson told the New York Post, “Kevin has been a key component of the success of our ‘Yellowstone’ series, and we hope that continues from here on out.”
The Dances With Wolves star has been with the series since it premiered in 2018.
He stars as John Dutton, the wealthy and powerful lead character – a role for which he won Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series (Drama) at the 2023 Golden Globes.
According to Puck News, citing unnamed sources, he earns a $1.2 million paycheck per episode for the fifth season. That figure will go up to $1.5 million per episode if there’s a sixth season.
However, reports now say that the current season could be the last.
The on-set drama allegedly caused by Costner’s scheduling demands has reportedly resulted in friction among the cast and is now threatening the fate of the series.
Eight episodes have already aired in the current season, and the show will return with more episodes in the summer. The end could come then, according to rumors.
A Paramount spokesperson previously denied that the show was ending, telling the New York Post, “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of ‘Yellowstone,’ and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come.”
However, the network has already come up with a plan in case the actor leaves.
Yellowstone, as we know it, might come to an end. But in a planned extension of the franchise, the Dutton family saga is set to continue with Matthew McConaughey as replacement.
“Thanks to the brilliant mind of [co-creator and showrunner] Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built,” the Paramount spokesperson added.
McConaughey, who they described as “a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner,” is reportedly in talks to take over the lead role.
Meanwhile, Costner has alternative plans, himself. He is starring in Horizon, an upcoming epic Western film, which he’s also co-writing, producing, and directing.
