AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner stepped out in New York City on Monday night, November 11, seemingly unbothered by the dramatic end of his character, John Dutton, in the Season 5B premiere of "Yellowstone". The actor attended a Meet & Greet hosted by DuJour Media's Jason Binn, mingling with guests and posing for photographs alongside athlete Rainy Castaneda. Despite reports that Costner had left the series after five seasons, he clarified that his departure was due to scheduling conflicts.

In the episode, Dutton's death was initially portrayed as a suicide, but it was later revealed to be a murder orchestrated by his son Jamie's girlfriend, Sarah Atwood. Costner had previously admitted to not watching the episode, but suggested that the writers may have a plan in store for his character. "They're pretty smart people," he said. "Maybe it's a red herring. They'll figure that out."

Costner's exit from "Yellowstone" was reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with his other project, "Horizon: An American Saga." Despite the bittersweet departure, Costner remains focused on his upcoming film and the future of the Dutton family on the show.

"I loved it," he said of his time on "Yellowstone." "I know you loved it. And I just wanted to let you know that I won't be returning and I love the relationship we've been able to develop and I'll see you at the movies."