It’s never nice to hear that your favorite show is set to end or, worse, be canceled.
Over the years there’s been many a show that I’ve fell in love with, and it breaks my heart anew every time I read or hear that said production is approaching its final curtain. You’d think I’d be well-enough versed in the disappointment by now to take it in my stride and look forward to finding something new, but I’m not.
I’m fairly sure I’m far from the only one who reacted with panic when claims surfaced last week regarding the future of the smash-hit Western series Yellowstone. Or should I say the lack of future?
It appears to have been all but officially confirmed that the Paramount blockbuster is due to ride off into the sunset after the conclusion of its fifth season – a season, I might add, that we’re already halfway through.
Needless to say, the rumor mill has gone into overdrive as to the whys of the matter. After all, Yellowstone is immensely popular and has attracted a cult following of fans who would likely have no issue with it being extended for another five seasons.
According to the Daily Mail, the abrupt manner with which the show looks set to end is due to the fact that its creator, Taylor Sheridan, and leading man, Kevin Costner, find themselves at loggerheads.
Indeed, a source recently told the publication that there has been building tension between Sheridan and Costner, stating: “Certain people in charge of the production developed a God complex.”
The crux of the issues are said to center around Hollywood heavyweight Costner’s frustrations as to the general direction the show was taking. The Daily Mail say that when he voiced his concern, Costner – who serves as an executive producer on Yellowstone – was told to “stick to acting”.
The source divulged: “Kevin will forever be proud of and grateful for Yellowstone and the cast is like family to him.
“He just felt like Yellowstone is headed in a direction that was not in line with their initial vision and he was met with criticism, including that he should just stick to acting.”
Not only that, but Costner was said to want to cut down his workload for the fifth season of the Western in order to better focus on other projects, as per the New York Post.
“It’s the same as with any show runner and big star — there’s respect, but there’s friction,” a source told the Post.
It’s rumored that 68-year-old Costner wanted to film for just a week on the second half of season five of Yellowstone – this after having already scaled back his work on the first half. Deadline reported back in February that the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves star wants more time to focus on his upcoming film franchise Horizon.
The actor’s attorney Marty Singer rubbished claims that Costner had tried to reduce his workload though, saying: “As everyone who knows anything about Kevin is well aware, he is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone way above and beyond to ensure its success.”
In any case, the idea that there is friction between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan looks to be beyond refute. One “highly placed” Hollywood source is even said to have told the New York Post: “Taylor is the star of his show. He’s the most important person on all of his shows.”
That could well be the seed of the problem at hand, with the Daily Mail citing inside sources as having claimed that Sheridan was “overburdened” with his own work schedule, and that the creator didn’t have things ready when Costner made himself available.
“Kevin’s been extremely cooperative with working with Taylor and his production company, 101 Studios. They were supposed to shoot the second chapter of Season five late last year, but they just didn’t have the scripts,” a source told the Post.
“Kevin had already committed to making his other movies. He had given the producers his schedule. There was nothing to shoot.”
I don’t know about you, but I for one hope that things can be resolved. I’m a huge fan of Yellowstone and have a difficult time imagining the show being as good without Kevin Costner in it.
What do you think? Do you watch Yellowstone? Are you going to miss the show if it ends after season five? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box.
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