Kevin Costner has announced he is leaving “Yellowstone” for the second part of season 5.

The Oscar winner stars in the hit television series “Yellowstone,” which premiered in 2018. The show is a contemporary Western drama that follows the Dutton family, led by the father John Dutton (played by Costner). The Duttons control the largest cattle ranch in the United States. They face constant threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and national parks.

Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton has been widely praised for his  depth and complexity. Dutton is a tough, determined character who will do whatever it takes to protect his family’s legacy. Costner brings his serious focus to the role, and this makes the character more compelling.

The actor posted an Instagram video June 20 to announce he will not be returning to the “Yellowstone” series.

“I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that’s required, and thinking about ‘Yellowstone,’ that beloved series that I love, that I know you love,” the actor said. “I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue Season 5b or into the future.”

Costner,69, said of “Yellowstone,” “It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it.”

“I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning,” he said. “I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”

The Instagram video was posted after “Yellowstone” announced a return in November.

The actor has been busy working on a new film series “Horizon, An American Saga. The first movie will be in theaters next week. The movie trailer is linked below.

It’s been speculated that Costner is leaving because of scheduling mishaps and production challenges. A month ago, the star spoke to Deadline about his frustration when he left working on “Horizon” to film for “Yellowstone” and then found out they did not have a script ready.