Kevin Costner responds to Yellowstone finale rumours and shares hope to 'finish' the story

Yellowstone star Kevin Costner has spoken out about the rumours surrounding the hit-drama series and said he's open to a return in future.

Speaking to PEOPLE this week, the Oscar winner shut down speculation that he left the series due to behind-the-scenes tensions and to pursue his own Western project, Horizon: An American Saga.

Stream every episode of Yellowstone, only on Stan.

Costner, who has played patriarch John Dutton III for five seasons, said: "I liked the people on the show. I liked what it was about. I love that world."

He said he kept the series a priority for over a year awaiting the next season's scripts and schedule, but added that ultimately "the scripts weren't there."

Despite any speculation, the actor had nothing but praise for Yellowstone during the interview – including some kind words about the show's creator, Taylor Sheridan.

He said Sheridan understood the "world of modern-day ranching", praising his ability to balance that theme with the added drama that has left viewers hooked since episode one.

Interestingly, Costner added that he'd initially only signed up for just one season but ultimately the studio wanted more. "Because [Sheridan's] such a prolific writer, he said, 'I can do that. I can make a series that goes on,'" he praised.

The actor eventually "stepped up" to the extension, and told Sheridan, "I'll do it for three seasons… and I ended up doing it for five."

READ MORE: 'Worth the wait': Everything the Yellowstone cast have spilled about the epic Season 5 finale

The final season is currently in production, and while no one knows how the series will end, Costner hasn't written off coming back for more.

"I've always felt that… It might be an interesting moment to come back and finish the mythology of this modern-day family. And if that happens, I would step into it if I agreed with how it was being done," he said.

Yellowstone's final installment premieres this November, the same day as the US, only on Stan.

READ MORE: How much are the cast of Yellowstone worth?

Late last year, it was announced the much-loved series will come to an end November 2024.

Originally slated to premiere late last year, Yellowstone production schedules shifted due to the dual strikes.

The first instalment of Season 5 saw John Dutton take office as the Governor of Montana, with the Dutton family fighting a war from all sides.

While plot details of the final episodes are strictly under wraps, the cast have teased it to be "the best series finale in history".

READ MORE: Where is Yellowstone filmed? Inside the real-life Dutton Ranch and filming locations

The epic final instalment of Yellowstone returns this November, only on Stan.

The only place you can stream every episode of Yellowstone is on Stan.

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