OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
Kevin Costner has finally shed some light on the “Yellowstone” drama. It all unfolded during his divorce hearing.
His estranged wife, Christine Baumgartner’s attorneys, didn’t hold back in their questioning, leading to revelations about the future of the hit show and some behind-the-scenes turmoil.
Costner’s explanation for the absence of a sixth season of “Yellowstone” primarily revolves around scheduling issues.
It's day two of the custody battle between Kevin Costner and his ex-wife, Christine Baumgartner. The ex-couple is battling over Baumgartner's request for increased child support for their three children. pic.twitter.com/ijrjRS7XQs
— Inside Edition (@InsideEdition) September 1, 2023
This echoes what we’ve previously heard from “Yellowstone” co-creator Taylor Sheridan, who has also pointed to scheduling conflicts as a major factor.
Additionally, there are hints at creative differences between Costner and Sheridan, particularly concerning the show’s lead character, John Dutton.
During the divorce hearing, Kevin Costner elaborated on the challenges stemming from the overlap between “Yellowstone” and his personal western project, “Horizon.”
UPDATE: Kevin Costner’s ex Christine Baumgartner calls $129,000 monthly child support “insufficient”
She says Kevin needs to pay more child support "so that the children can go on comparable vacations when they are with her. This is true even if the child support payments also… pic.twitter.com/RghHI6ExTr
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) August 31, 2023
He disclosed to the court, that this scheduling conflict potentially cost him a substantial sum of $12 million. Costner also hinted at the possibility of legal action regarding the conclusion of “Yellowstone.”
Given the prevailing circumstances, there is concern that we may never witness the series’ conclusion.
This uncertainty is exacerbated by the ongoing strikes within the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild, which have effectively paralyzed the majority of major productions.