Kevin Costner has revealed he's not returning to Yellowstone after network drama and his bitter divorce battle.
Fans were left heartbroken when it was announced last May the western crime show would officially come to an end after five seasons, with the final episodes released last November.
Fans all said the same thing when Kevin addressed them on Instagram to confirm it. Kevin, 69, said: "Hi everyone. I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that's required, and thinking about Yellowstone - the beloved series that I love, that I know you love - I just realised that I'm not going to be able to continue Season 5b or into the future."
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His followers flocked to his page to comment. One said: "Well this really sucks." Another said: "You were the heart of the show."The news comes after the show's leading man Kevin became embroiled in a divorce battle with his wife Christine Baumgartner.
The fifth season began back in November, with the first half concluded in January. The second half of the latest season marked the end of the show. Chris McCarthy, president and CEO of Showtime and MTV Entertainment Studios confirmed the news in a statement, as he revealed a sequel is in the works. The statement read: "Yellowstone has been the cornerstone on which we have launched an entire universe of global hits — from 1883 to Tulsa King. I am confident our Yellowstone sequel will be another big hit, thanks to the brilliant creative mind of Taylor Sheridan and our incredible casts who bring these shows to life."
Details of the sequel are being kept tightly under wraps, though it had previously been reported that Matthew McConaughey was in talks for a new show featuring a number of Yellowstone characters. David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, added: "The Dutton story continues, picking up where Yellowstone leaves off in another epic tale. We are thrilled to bring this new journey to audiences around the world."
Prior to the announcement, there had been reports of "friction" behind-the-scenes between star Kevin and showrunner Taylor Sheridan. A source told The New York Post: "It's the same as with any showrunner and big star - there's respect, but there's friction".
Kevin was reportedly urged to quit Yellowstone by his wife to try and save their marriage before she ultimately decided to file for divorce.
For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.