There’s more bad news for Yellowstone fans. Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton, confirmed in a recent interview that the cast still hasn’t received a return date to film the rest of Season 5. While everyone is anticipating the finale to air late this year, it’s becoming less likely as we roll into summer.
The first half of Season 5 wrapped up on New Year’s Day 2023 after 8 episodes. Initially, the sho was set for a short “winter break” before returning with the remaining 6 episodes. The behind-the-scenes drama and rumors have considerably lengthened the wait.
The ongoing writer’s strike, which is affecting all television and film projects in Hollywood, is now a factor, too. When asked if this was affecting Yellowstone, Bentley confirmed there’s still been no official word for the actors on a return date. Has the Jamie Dutton actor, one of the top-billed names for the series, even seen a script?
When asked if he’s seen a script in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bentley revealed, “I haven’t, no. I truly don’t have a clue where it’s going. I haven’t seen or heard anything.”
“I don’t have a date of when we’re returning,” he reiterates. “All of these things are out of my control, so I’m just going to hold this gate closed until it’s time to let him loose,” referring to his character.
Bentley hasn’t had any conversations with his on-screen adoptive dad, Kevin Costner, either. The decision to end the show came as abruptly to the cast as it did to everyone at home. “I haven’t really talked to any of them about that. We never did,” he confirms. “I guess that’s sort of one of those ‘don’t jinx it’ things.”
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. The biggest question on Bentley’s mind is, “Will I hate this guy?” How will he feel about Jamie when it’s all said and done? “Like, I hate playing him,” he laughs. “I try not to judge my characters, but it’s been enough years that it’s hard not to at this point. It’s very hard to play him. And at the same time, I love it. I’m going to miss the challenge.”
“Every single scene is literally the hardest scene I’ve ever had to do. Or it’s bringing in a new challenge. If the next thing is not the same challenge, I’m definitely going to miss it,” Bentley continues. “I’m going to wrap it up or laminate it or something. It will always be there as one of the hardest things I’ve ever accomplished, or tried to accomplish, bringing out all the facets and nuances of this complicated character. So I will miss it, but I will also celebrate it being over.”