Let’s take a closer look at the story behind this hair-color controversy and what it reveals about the dynamics on the set of Yellowstone.Why Kevin Costner Wanted a Greying Son to Dye His Hair
On the surface, Yellowstone and Succession seem worlds apart, but they share common ground as family sagas involving patriarchs wrestling for control over their legacy. In Yellowstone, Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III is a ranching mogul trying to protect the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch from greedy outsiders and fend off disputes within his family. The sudden death of his eldest son, Lee Dutton (played by Dave Annable), sets off a series of events that propel the plot—and cut short Annable’s time on the show.
Annable’s Brief Time on Yellowstone
In the series' first episode, “Daybreak,” Lee Dutton is killed, preventing Annable from developing his role further. Despite the missed opportunity, Annable’s performance left a lasting impression on series creator Taylor Sheridan, who later cast him in a major role on the spy thriller Lioness. Annable admitted that he had a much more comfortable experience on Lioness, where he could embrace his natural salt-and-pepper hair color.Costner’s Vanity and the Need to Look Younger
While Annable's grey hair might seem normal for someone in their 40s, Costner—who was 63 when Yellowstone premiered in 2018—was reportedly uncomfortable with the idea of having an on-screen son who looked visibly older. Annable recently explained at the Lioness season 2 premiere:“I asked [to keep my grey hair] and this time they said yes. I asked on Yellowstone, and God bless Mr. Costner, but he was like, ‘No—you’re going to dye it. I don’t want to look that old.’ I was like, ‘Okay, got it. That makes sense.’”Though John Dutton’s character is meant to be close in age to Costner himself, the actor apparently didn’t want viewers associating his image with old age.A Missed Opportunity for Realism?
Annable’s grey hair could have added a touch of realism to Yellowstone, reflecting how ranchers age naturally under the harsh conditions of modern ranch life. Letting both characters embrace their years—like Harrison Ford has done throughout his career—might have deepened the show’s believability. However, Yellowstone has always leaned more toward melodrama than authenticity, so expecting realism may be a stretch.What’s Next for Yellowstone?
Despite controversies both on- and off-screen, the popularity of Yellowstone remains strong. As viewers anticipate the release of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 on November 10, 2024, fans are eager to see how John Dutton’s story concludes. Whether Costner’s portrayal evolves or continues to maintain its glossy veneer, the drama surrounding the Dutton family will undoubtedly keep audiences captivated.
On the surface, Yellowstone and Succession seem worlds apart, but they share common ground as family sagas involving patriarchs wrestling for control over their legacy. In Yellowstone, Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III is a ranching mogul trying to protect the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch from greedy outsiders and fend off disputes within his family. The sudden death of his eldest son, Lee Dutton (played by Dave Annable), sets off a series of events that propel the plot—and cut short Annable’s time on the show.
Annable’s Brief Time on YellowstoneIn the series' first episode, “Daybreak,” Lee Dutton is killed, preventing Annable from developing his role further. Despite the missed opportunity, Annable’s performance left a lasting impression on series creator Taylor Sheridan, who later cast him in a major role on the spy thriller Lioness. Annable admitted that he had a much more comfortable experience on Lioness, where he could embrace his natural salt-and-pepper hair color.Costner’s Vanity and the Need to Look Younger
While Annable's grey hair might seem normal for someone in their 40s, Costner—who was 63 when Yellowstone premiered in 2018—was reportedly uncomfortable with the idea of having an on-screen son who looked visibly older. Annable recently explained at the Lioness season 2 premiere:“I asked [to keep my grey hair] and this time they said yes. I asked on Yellowstone, and God bless Mr. Costner, but he was like, ‘No—you’re going to dye it. I don’t want to look that old.’ I was like, ‘Okay, got it. That makes sense.’”Though John Dutton’s character is meant to be close in age to Costner himself, the actor apparently didn’t want viewers associating his image with old age.A Missed Opportunity for Realism?
Annable’s grey hair could have added a touch of realism to Yellowstone, reflecting how ranchers age naturally under the harsh conditions of modern ranch life. Letting both characters embrace their years—like Harrison Ford has done throughout his career—might have deepened the show’s believability. However, Yellowstone has always leaned more toward melodrama than authenticity, so expecting realism may be a stretch.What’s Next for Yellowstone?
Despite controversies both on- and off-screen, the popularity of Yellowstone remains strong. As viewers anticipate the release of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 on November 10, 2024, fans are eager to see how John Dutton’s story concludes. Whether Costner’s portrayal evolves or continues to maintain its glossy veneer, the drama surrounding the Dutton family will undoubtedly keep audiences captivated.
