UPDATE 06/27/2023: A new rumor has developed in the Costner/Baumgartner divorce: that Baumgartner had an affair with a tenant living on the family property, named Daniel Starr.
Starr and Baumgartner both claim this is pure conjecture, with Starr saying: “I just was a tenant; I have my own relationships. [It was] nothing else. He’s a really good guy, and I have no problem with him whatsoever. They’re going through a divorce, they have kids. I feel really badly. I hope they can peacefully resolve it.”
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Many fans of Paramount’s ‘Yellowstone’ are confused by the conflicting headlines surrounding the show and it’s star, Kevin Costner. The Hollywood rumor mill is working overtime, what the announcement of his departure from the landmark series and his wife, Christine Baumgartner, recently filing for divorce. For those wondering if the events are connected, you’re not alone! While the actual story is well-guarded—and, frankly, may never be fully revealed—we can help clear up a few facts and fibs that are currently circulating.
Confirmed by Representatives (TRUE!)
- Costner WILL be leaving Yellowstone during season 5,
Costner’s character, John Dutton, may be written off during the season or he may feature until the finale.
- ‘Yellowstone’ WILL END after season 5,
Both Paramount and Taylor Sheridan have confirmed that ‘Yellowstone’ will end after the current season.
- An additional, unnamed Yellowstone spin-off will star Matthew McConoughey
The sequel series, which has yet to be named, is scheduled to air in December, 2023. Representatives for fellow actors like Kelly Reilly and Luke Grimes have yet to confirm if they will be moving to the spin-off.
- The second part of the final season of ‘Yellowstone’ has yet to be filmed.
Filming will likely begin in August, 2023.
- Costner’s wife, Christine Baumgartner, filed for divorce
Baumgartner filed on May 1st, 2023. At the time, representatives for Costner said, “it is with great sadness that circumstances beyond his control have transpired which have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action.”
Pure Rumor (UNTRUE or DENIED!)
- Costner had an affair with a set-worker, resulting in her pregnancy
Representatives close to Costner have directly contradicted this. The only sources reporting it as true are gossip outlets.
Sources:
Why Is ‘Yellowstone’ Canceled After Season 5? (goodhousekeeping.com)
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2: Return Date Prediction, Cast, and Everything Else to Know – TV Guide
