Kevin Costner has stepped away from Yellowstone following five impactful seasons, pivoting toward ambitious new projects in both film and television. Since his exit, he’s spearheaded a sweeping Western saga and taken on an entirely different, politically charged TV venture.
What’s Next: An Epic Western Saga – Horizon: An American Saga
His top post-Yellowstone project is Horizon: An American Saga, a richly crafted four-part Western epic that he wrote, directed, produced, and stars in. The first installment, Chapter 1, premiered June 28, 2024, followed by a Venice Film Festival screening on September 7. It later became available to stream on platforms like Netflix and Max .
Despite high ambitions, Chapter 1 underperformed at the box office, grossing around $38 million globally against a $50 million budget . Nonetheless, Costner pushed forward: Chapter 2 is completed (though release remains delayed), Chapter 3 is now in principal photography, and Chapter 4 is already in development .
Back-to-back filming for the series reflects Costner’s dedication—to him, it’s a passion project. He even refinanced personal property to see it through. Quoting him:
“I gambled on the love of story … I gamble on people … if they get there, I’m going to take care of them the best I possibly can.”
On the Small Screen: The Gray House (Executive Producer)
Costner is expanding his TV footprint beyond Yellowstone. He’s serving as executive producer on The Gray House, a Civil War spy drama he co-produces with Morgan Freeman. Directed by Roland Joffé, it features a starry ensemble including Mary-Louise Parker, Amethyst Davis, Daisy Head, and Ben Vereen. The eight-episode miniseries drops on Prime Video on February 26, 2026 . The soundtrack is stacked with contributions from Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Killer Mike, and others—underscoring the project’s high-end storytelling ambitions .
A Political Drama on the Horizon: United
Looking well beyond the Western genre, Costner is slated to take on the role of President Bill Clinton in United, a TV series produced in collaboration with the United Nations. He’ll also serve as executive producer alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. The series—centering around the UN’s role in the 1999 East Timor crisis—is expected to begin production in early 2026, with filming to take place in Atlanta and Spain .
How Costner’s Choices Reflect His New Direction
Costner’s exit from Yellowstone was rooted in both creative timing and practical scheduling. He’d originally intended to do more seasons, but felt constrained by production delays and script uncertainty. He said,
“I did everything I was contracted to do with Yellowstone… I would go back if I liked the story.”
In short: his priorities shifted toward projects he can shape and schedule on his terms.
Conclusion
Kevin Costner’s post-Yellowstone era is defined by bold creative control and genre expansion. He’s championing Horizon: An American Saga, a sprawling Western epic he’s shepherding through four parts, while also moving into politically motivated and archival storytelling. The Gray House places him behind the scenes in high-profile television, and United showcases his willingness to embrace new territory—both narratively and geographically. His career post-Yellowstone hasn’t slowed; it’s just riding a new frontier.
FAQs
What was Kevin Costner’s first project after leaving Yellowstone?
That would be Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, which premiered on June 28, 2024, before expanding into a four-part film saga .
Is Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2 released yet?
No, Chapter 2 is completed but its release has been indefinitely delayed due to the underperformance of Chapter 1 .
What is The Gray House?
It’s a Civil War–era spy drama miniseries for Prime Video, executive produced by Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman, releasing all eight episodes on February 26, 2026 .
Will Kevin Costner return to Yellowstone?
He hasn’t ruled it out entirely. He maintains the idea is “wide open” if the writing and circumstances feel right .
What is the United TV series about?
United is an upcoming political drama exploring the 1999 East Timor crisis. Costner will play Bill Clinton and executive produce alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Production may begin in early 2026 in Atlanta and Spain .
