The return of John Dutton in Yellowstone season 5 part 2 has high expectations and many challenges, but the show could thrive if it’s done correctly. Yellowstone has taken a lot of hits in the past year, putting the show in a state of uncertainty. First, Kevin Costner’s departure was announced, creating confusion as to how the story can continue without John Dutton. Then, the Writers’ Strike and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 delayed the last installation of the Western TV show.

Luckily, Yellowstone fans have received positive news in recent days. Filming is expected to begin soon, and positive news has come out about the possibility of Young John Dutton appearing in Yellowstone season 5 part 2. Despite Kevin Costner leaving the show, actor John Lucas, who plays Young John Dutton, has indicated that he wants to come back for the last episodes of the show. Young John Dutton is just as loved of a character as his older counterpart, making his return exciting.

Young John Dutton’s Return Has More Pressure After Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone Exit
Viewers Will Have Higher Expectations For Young John Dutton

The weight of the write-off will have to match the weight of the character in the series.

If John Lucas returns in Yellowstone season 5 part 2, all the expectations from audiences previously placed on Costner’s character will shift onto Young John Dutton, the version of the character that’s left. After all, John Dutton is a main character whose storyline influences every other person in the show. Plus, it’s the six episodes of the entire series, adding extra weight.

If John Dutton had been killed off earlier in Yellowstone, there might not have been as much pressure on Josh Lucas. His presence would’ve been enjoyed still but not entirely necessary. Unfortunately, no one could have predicted Kevin Costner leaving the series this late into the game. Consequently, the adult version of the character will need to be written off during Yellowstone’s abrupt season 5 part 2 ending. There’s no way he could disappear without explanation. The weight of the write-off will have to match the weight of the character in the series.

Luckily, now that Kevin Costner’s off the show, it’s not likely that his moral death clause applies to John Dutton in Yellowstone anymore, allowing for more options in writing off the character. Should Yellowstone kill off John Dutton, which seems like the most likely route, the writers will have to execute that perfectly. If this occurs, John Lucas will have to nail every scene to supplement John’s story and provide closure for his death. Even if they end Dutton’s story in another way, Lucas’s character will have to provide a justified reason for the character’s ending.

Can Yellowstone Season 5 Still Give John Dutton A Good Ending?
Yellowstone Writers Can Still Give John Dutton A Good Send-Off

There are multiple ways that Yellowstone’s ending could work without Kevin Costner, still giving John Dutton a good sendoff. The most important factor will be that they explain the character’s exit, instead of just making him disappear for no reason. Since John already has cancer, the easiest way to write him off would be to kill him. He already had a cancer scare in Yellowstone season 5 part 1, and the illness killing him shortly after would show the unforgiving and unpredictable nature of cancer. Flashbacks could then supplement his ending, wrapping up storylines involving John that are left open-ended.

Alternatively, John Dutton could leave the ranch in Yellowstone to protect it. Dutton Ranch is John’s prized possession, and he puts it ahead of everything and everyone else, including himself. His leaving for this reason maintains the character’s integrity and gives him an honorable ending. Flashbacks could then be used to prove further the idea that he would choose to leave if put in the position to make this decision.

Will There Be More Of Young John Dutton In Yellowstone’s Future?
Yellowstone Has At Least 4 Spinoffs In Development

It’s unknown whether Young John Dutton will appear in anything other than Yellowstone season 5 part 2. It’s possible Josh Lucas’s character could appear in flashbacks in Matthew McConaughey’s Yellowstone sequel show. The inclusion of the younger version of the character could help provide a strong foundation and connection for the upcoming series. It would also prevent the feeling that the character is done just because Kevin Costner left.

Additionally, John Lucas has addressed a Young John Dutton spinoff, expressing excitement at the idea. Not every actor has a strong enough presence to lead a show. However, that’s not a concern with John Lucas. He’s already shown he understands the character of Young John Dutton, and his passion and excitement for the project would undoubtedly benefit a Yellowstone spinoff. A Young Dutton spinoff could also answer questions about the beloved Yellowstone character.