Yellowstone director Christina Voros has shed light on how the show plans to come to an end, despite its star Kevin Costner’s unexpected, premature exit earlier this year. Ahead of the hit Western’s long-awaited return this month, Voros addressed how Costner’s character, John Dutton, remains an “essential component” to the show’s final episodes.

Long after it was all but accepted that Costner would no longer be seen on screen in his role as John Dutton, the actor featured prominently in a recently unveiled trailer for the show's remaining episodes, prompting questions as to whether he will be returning.