Kevin Costner Sets Late Summer Production Date for His ‘Passion’ Project — What Does This Mean for Season 5 of ‘Yellowstone’?

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

• Kevin Costner is heading back behind the camera to direct a film for the first time since 2003.
• His latest “passion project” Horizon begins production in August 2022.
• Will that affect the shooting schedule for season 5 of Yellowstone?

Kevin Costner is getting back behind the camera to direct a new, epic period western titled Horizon. The Oscar winner has set a late summer production date for his latest “passion” project. So, what does this mean for Yellowstone season 5?

Kevin Costner hasn’t directed a movie since 2003

The last time Costner was in the director’s chair was nearly two decades ago for the critically acclaimed western Open Range. According to Deadline, Costner’s new film Horizon is a “longtime passion project” that has “the sweep” of his 1990 epic Dances With Wolves.

That film earned a dozen Oscar nominations and won seven awards. Including Best Picture and Best Director for Costner.

Horizon reportedly chronicles “a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.”

The Oscar winner begins production on ‘Horizon’ in August

Costner explained to the publication that the story he will tell about America’s expansion into the west was that it was “fraught with peril and intrigue” in many ways.

“From the natural elements, to the interactions with the indigenous peoples who lived on the land, and the determination and at many times ruthlessness of those who sought to settle it,” Costner said. “Horizon tells the story of that journey in an honest and forthcoming way, highlighting the points of view and consequences of the characters’ life and death decisions.”

Casting begins this month, and production for Horizon is scheduled to begin on August 29 in Utah. Costner will be the director, producer, and star. He will also finance the movie through his Territory Pictures production company.

What does Kevin Costner’s passion project mean for ‘Yellowstone’ season 5?

With Costner’s schedule focused on Horizon starting in August, what does that mean for Yellowstone season 5? Luckily, fans have nothing to worry about because filming for the upcoming season of Taylor Sheridan’s western is scheduled to begin in May and run through the middle of August.

“Current plans call for pre-production work to begin in mid to late March, with filming to get underway May 15 and run through the middle of August,” Montana newspaper the Ravalli Republic recently reported.

‘Yellowstone’ is one of the highest-rated shows on television

Costner has starred as rancher John Dutton on Yellowstone since it premiered in 2018. But it took a while for critics — and some fans — to find it.

Season 4 of the neo-western was the biggest yet when it comes to ratings. The western was the number one series across Broadcast, Cable, and Premium channels for both the 18-49 and 25-54 demographics throughout the season.

And, the finale scored an incredible 10.3 million total viewers — a staggering 81 percent increase in total viewership compared to the season 3 finale.

Kevin Costner will return in ‘Yellowstone’ season 5 this fall

Yellowstone executive producer and CEO of 101 studios David Glasser told Variety that the show has just now hit its prime.

“I think the show is still maturing, and there’s still a lot of story to tell. I know with Taylor, he’s got a lot to say and a lot to write,” Glasser told the outlet. “He’s deep into season 5 of Yellowstone now. He’s got some incredible ideas that he shared that I think audiences are going to be really excited about.”

Glasser went on to confirm that filming for season 5 of Yellowstone begins in May. He also shared that he expects the new season to premiere “in the fall.”

Yellowstone seasons 1 through 3 are available on Peacock. Season 4 is expected to hit the streamer in late March or early April.