After a nearly two-year break, Yellowstone finally gallops back into the spotlight with the long-awaited release of Season 5, Part 2 this November. But behind the return lies a tangle of secrecy, fan speculation — and the burning question: Is this really the end?

In a revealing interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Yellowstone director Christina Voros shed rare light on the hit series’ future and Kevin Costner’s controversial departure. Voros confirmed she directed the first four episodes of Part 2, with Michael Friedman handling episode five and Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, directing the much-hyped finale.

Despite whispers of a Season 6 featuring Kelly Reilly’s Beth and Cole Hauser’s Rip, Voros remained tight-lipped:

“I think the degree of secrecy that went into it… we were protecting a conclusion,” she said. “As far as what the future holds? I don’t know. I honestly don’t know.”

To prevent leaks, Yellowstone ran like a classified military op. Voros even took over script coordination herself, redacting scenes so that cast members only received the lines they were in — even veterans of the show didn’t know how the story ends until filming wrapped.

As for Kevin Costner, who officially announced his exit in June, fans were stunned to see his character, John Dutton, prominently featured in the Season 5 Part 2 trailer. But will the legendary patriarch actually appear in the final episodes?

Voros answered cryptically:

“His presence is integral… John Dutton is still central.”

It’s clear the Yellowstone team is working hard to maintain the suspense. Whether Season 5, Part 2 is truly the final chapter or merely a pivot to a Beth-and-Rip spinoff remains under wraps.

But one thing’s for sure — John Dutton’s shadow still looms large over Montana, and Yellowstone isn’t quite ready to ride off into the sunset without one last twist.