Yellowstone boss Taylor Sheridan has addressed lead star Kevin Costner's exit from the series.
Earlier this year, Paramount+ confirmed that the fifth season of the neo-Western series would be its last, following rumours about Costner's exit from the show. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor had been planning to step away from Yellowstone in order to focus on his own upcoming film project Horizon.
When asked about Costner's exit, Sheridan told the outlet: "My last conversation with Kevin was that he had this passion project he wanted to direct. He and the network were arguing about when he could be done with Yellowstone. I said: 'We can certainly work a schedule toward [his preferred exit date],' which we did."
Related: Yellowstone star says bosses know how the show will end
The director went on to explain that while he was "disappointed" in the change in story arc for Costner's character John Dutton potentially not getting the full closure originally intended, his opinion hadn't altered on him as an actor.
"His creation of John Dutton is symbolic and powerful," Sheridan continued. "I've never had an issue with Kevin that he and I couldn't work out on the phone. But once lawyers get involved, then people don't get to talk to each other and start saying things that aren't true and attempt to shift blame based on how the press or public seem to be reacting.
"He took a lot of this on the chin and I don't know that [he] deserves it. His movie seems to be a great priority to him and he wants to shift focus. I sure hope [the movie is] worth it and that it's a good one."
Related: Yellowstone's end is confirmed along with announcement of new spin-off sequel
While the main series is coming to an ending, there is still plenty for Yellowstone fans to look forward to in the future.
Following the news that season five would be the main series' last, Paramount reassured viewers that the Dutton family story will continue, with a new sequel set to join existing spin-offs 1883 and 1923.
Yellowstone airs on Paramount+.