‘Yellowstone’ EP Reveals Finale Secrets: How the Ending Changed When Kevin Costner Left, Why Taylor Sheridan Became a Main Character and More

As a seasoned storyteller who’s had the privilege of working with the incredible Taylor Sheridan and the phenomenal cast of Yellowstone, I can confidently say that this seventh season has been an unparalleled journey. Each day felt like a precious gem, knowing it was our last chance to create together.

❗️Caution: The content of this message reveals details from the 14th episode of Season 5 of “Yellowstone,” titled “Life Is a Promise,” which was broadcasted on December 15th, 2022 on Paramount Network.

Over five gripping seasons of the hit Western series “Yellowstone,” the Dutton family has faced a grueling, dirty, and violent journey. As the season ended (before the Beth and Rip spinoff begins), viewers were left reeling from some unexpected deaths in the last few episodes – even one by a horse. Yet amidst all the carnage, there was a feeling of resolution for this powerful and turbulent Montana family. The final episode was dissected by “Yellowstone” executive producer Christina Alexandra Voros for EbMaster. (paraphrased)

Do you know what the original ending would be if Kevin Costner had stayed on?

I didn’t personally discuss the series finale with Taylor Sheridan before Kevin left. However, I understand that some cast members had discussions with him early on in Season 1, and they felt he had always planned for the ending to involve the death of the patriarch and the passing on of the legacy. This information was mostly passed down to me. While it altered the way things happened, not the outcome itself, I can’t go into specifics about how it changed the storyline.

I think the limitations that were put on Taylor with Kevin’s departure really brought out a side of his writing that I know people have mixed feelings about: The flashbacks and the way that the season was structured overall. I actually thought it brought out a different layer, the way that he puzzled through how to tell this story with the absence of the person that you’re telling the story about. I thought it made for some really interesting creative choices. Sometimes limitations can be the best friend of good art because it forces you to think creatively about things in a way that is not as straightforward as you might have originally planned.

We really get to know Travis this season, and seeing Taylor play a cocky playboy was a fun gear. What would you say is the biggest way that Taylor is like Travis in real life, and the biggest way he’s different?

Taylor is exceptionally talented as both a writer and director, yet I’ve learned just as much from him in his roles as a general and businessman as I have from his artistic abilities. His evolution since the start of “Yellowstone”, from a first-time TV series director to overseeing seven shows simultaneously and being a major force in television, is a testament to his exceptional storytelling skills and writing prowess. This transformation is also due to his knack for redefining the rules of the game. Find someone 20 years ago who could manage several TV series from a location they preferred while disliking Los Angeles – Taylor has chosen a life that offers both productivity and autonomy.

I think you see that in Travis. I think he is a tremendous salesman. I think he likes beating the system, enjoys being able to flip the script literally and figuratively. I also think that if you ask him about it, this was a very depressing season of television. Bringing Travis in allowed for a little bit of comic relief in a season that you didn’t get much of that. That’s always been part of “Yellowstone.” Terrible things happen, you lose people, but then there’s a funny scene in the bunkhouse, or there’s a great country musician that people don’t know about who gets discovered in this cameo. That’s always been part of the DNA of the show. So I think people were so wrapped up in the tragedy of this final season that some folks forgot that there’s always been an element of comedy in this. It’s always been present, and he just cast himself as the element that brought some of that levity because everyone else was so absolutely devastated about the loss of John Dutton. It would be hard to find the comedy from Beth and Rip and Kayce. I thought it was a pretty bold move on his part, but I think it served the story.

What was the process of choreographing the episode’s major fight between Jamie and Beth?

It’s full steam ahead! We’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional stunt coordinators like Jason Rodriguez, Jordan Warrack, and initially, Wade Allen, who are among the best in the industry. As a filmmaker, I appreciate our cast’s enthusiasm and dedication, as they eagerly participate in as much action as possible, making it part of their very essence. However, there will be instances where we use doubles, who have also been with us since the start, to handle more dangerous stunts. They’ve studied the actors’ movements and learned their style, ensuring a seamless blend for scenes requiring special effects or falls.

Luke Grimes said in a recent interview with Esquire that, for this chunk of the season, “there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.” Do you agree with him on that assessment from your vantage?

As a movie critic, I didn’t notice any significant reduction in conflict this season, but the actor who shared this insight hinted at an easier filming experience. I believe there were multiple factors contributing to this. Firstly, we were on our seventh year with a majority of the original crew, which created a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Interestingly, the drive experienced by the characters on screen to progress through their story mirrored the cast’s own determination to continue without a key character who carried much of the narrative throughout previous seasons. There seemed to be an invigorating atmosphere as fresh energy flowed in, and knowing that this was our final season, we all recognized the uniqueness and value of what we were creating and how deeply we cared for each other as a creative team. This sense of inspiration was palpable. Creating Yellowstone is never easy; we’re constantly battling time, budgets, weather, and elements. However, this season felt particularly inspiring and fun to work on from start to finish, and I believe it’s because everyone understood that this was our last opportunity to collaborate and every day was precious.

Right before the finale, we learned that the Beth and Rip spinoff was moving forward. Have you been involved with any of the discussions about the show at this point?

Of course, it’s still uncertain at this point. Trying to predict or speculate about how Taylor might shape these narratives in his mind would be unwise. However, one thing that has consistently amazed me about him as a writer is his ability to write as if he’s merely a channel for the story. During our work on “1883,” I received a script on a Tuesday, and by the next Tuesday, there were three more scripts – it felt like an unstoppable force. When he has a tale brewing in his mind, it seems to flow onto the page swiftly and from a source that remains mysterious to me. Therefore, I can’t say what his next story will be, but I just hope I get to witness it when he commits it to paper.

You’ve mentioned that you like to keep an eye on what fans are talking about during the season. Were there any things you were surprised to read or misconceptions you’d like to address or set the record straight on?

It’s intriguing how diverse this situation has been. You’ve got those who dislike just about everything, and as we near the conclusion of our tale, it’s simply a part of life’s journey. It alters the perspective from which one views things. For instance, if you were told that this is the last romantic partner you’ll ever have, you might become more selective. So, I believe that people who have been in long-term relationships, for six seasons perhaps, may not have considered their ending until suddenly, they realize it’s coming to an end, and the consequences are significant.

Audience members often have strong opinions about how they want a story to conclude, as they feel a sense of attachment or ownership from following it for so long. This range of reactions, encompassing everything from enthusiastic praise to sharp criticism, and discussions spanning the entire political spectrum – from deeply conservative viewpoints to progressive “wokeness” – is fascinating to me. It’s intriguing that we’re all watching the same season unfold. I believe this diversity of opinions is a testament to the power of storytelling, which aims to stimulate such debates. The fact that our work has elicited such a wide variety of responses suggests that we’ve been successful in our endeavor.

2024-12-18 02:46