Kevin Costner Reveals Simple Demand For 'Yellowstone' Return

Kevin Costner is still leaving the door open for a potential "Yellowstone" return.

Production is back underway on the fifth and final season of the hit neo-Western series from Taylor Sheridan, and Costner isn't involved.

As of right now, it seems very unlikely the star actor and face of the franchise will return to the series. However, it sounds like there's still a chance…….but only if a certain standard is met.

Kevin Costner talks potential "Yellowstone" return.

"If I like the story, where it was going, I would go back," the man responsible for playing John Dutton said on "CBS Sunday Morning" when discussing a potential return, according to the New York Post.

Costner also said that his new film series "Horizon: An American Saga" wasn't why he left Sheridan's hit show. There's been speculation going back to last year that the production schedules of his movies and "Yellowstone" weren't compatible, and Costner had to choose one or the other.

That's never been confirmed by anyone, and Costner now says it's not true. Read into that as much as you'd like.

Kevin Costner talks potential "Yellowstone" return. (Credit: Paramount Network)

Unfortunately for Costner, I don't think it really matters if he likes where the story is going or not. It seems like the train has left the station and Costner isn't on it.

The "Yellowstone" universe and Sheridan are moving on. Whether he wants to be included or not no longer seems to be in his hands.

It's in Sheridan's hand to craft the rest of the final season, and it was always likely going to end with John Dutton dying. The story makes zero sense if the Dutton leader survives when the credits roll for the final time.

Now, whether or not Costner is in the mix, I'm guessing Sheridan will find a way to kill Costner's character off-screen.

Kevin Costner returning to "Yellowstone" seems very unlikely. (Credit: Paramount Network)

There's still a lot of moving parts, but fans definitely shouldn't hold their breath to see Costner again. Season five is slated to return in November, and I can't wait. Hit me with your predictions and thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.