• Kevin Costner did not return for Yellowstone season five, part two.
• The actor said he “didn’t leave the show” but left due to scheduling conflicts.
• He still has to see how John Dutton was written off the show.

Warning: Spoilers for “Yellowstone“season five, episode nine.

Kevin Costner was as surprised by John Dutton’s write-off on “Yellowstone” as you were.

The actor spoke about the circumstances of his departure from the show and his reaction to Dutton’s end on “SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program.” Costner spoke to Smerconish the day after season five, part two of “Yellowstone” premiered — and revealed he didn’t even know the episode would air.

The behind-the-scenes drama of “Yellowstone” has attracted as much attention as the on-screen action. After reports began circulating in early 2023 that Costner might be leaving the show — or at least that his screen time could be cut short for season five, part two — Paramount announced in May 2023 that the series’ fifth season would be its last . although it is still unclear whether this is actually the case). Costner confirmed in court filings in June 2023 during his divorce from Christine Baumgartner that he was no longer under contract for the series.

On Monday, Costner told Smerconish that his departure from “Yellowstone” was the result of scheduling conflicts. The actor has been working on his “Horizon” film series, which debuted in May to mediocre reviews.

“I haven’t quit the show,” he said. “There wasn’t, there was just a, you know, everyone has to deliver on what they say they’re going to do.”

“Yellowstone” covered Costner’s departure by killing off his character, John Dutton, off-screen in season five, episode nine. Although it initially appears that he died by suicide, the show reveals that his death was the result of a hit.

Costner told Smerconish that he had not realized that Dutton’s death was broadcast the night before and that he had yet to watch the episode.

“I heard it was suicide, so that doesn’t make me want to rush out and see it,” Costner said. However, he said the death could have been a “diversion.”

The actor also said that he had proposed several endings for his character over the course of “Yellowstone,” and told Smerconish that he wasn’t sure he would remain involved until season five. Dutton’s eventual ending on the show was not one of those possibilities, but Costner expressed confidence in the show’s direction.

“Whatever they do, they’ll figure it out,” he said. “But yes, I had already thought of two possible endings when it wouldn’t last that long.”

In case you missed the premiere, here how to stream “Yellowstone” season 5 part 2.