As Yellowstone was rocked by Kevin Costner’s departure, fans not only questioned John Dutton’s future but also watched the reactions of the remaining key figures. And now, a significant voice has broken the silence. Gil Birmingham, who played Thomas Rainwater, has finally shared his true perspective on Kevin Costner – amidst the ever-tense behind-the-scenes atmosphere of Yellowstone.

Thomas Rainwater – the man caught between power and truth.

Throughout the seasons, Thomas Rainwater has always been a subtle counterpoint to John Dutton. Quiet and unassuming, yet imbued with moral weight. Therefore, Gil Birmingham’s words are never accidental. When he speaks, it’s not an emotional reaction, but the culmination of years of working within a complex power structure both on screen and behind the scenes.

What did Gil Birmingham say about Kevin Costner?

What surprised the audience was that Birmingham didn’t choose to avoid the topic or offer polite formalities. He acknowledged Kevin Costner as an icon, a central figure who shaped Yellowstone from its early days. But alongside that respect was a hard truth: Yellowstone couldn’t revolve around one name forever, no matter how big that name was. These words, though spoken gently, resonated like a knife cutting into the simmering controversies.

The departure of a key figure and a power vacuum.

No one denies that Kevin Costner breathed life into John Dutton. But according to Birmingham, the over-reliance on one individual is also Yellowstone’s weakness. When Costner left, the series was forced to confront a crucial question: is this the story of one man, or of an entire land and its people willing to shed blood for it?

A subtle message for the fans.

It’s noteworthy that Gil Birmingham neither attacks nor blindly defends. Instead, he emphasizes that Yellowstone has always been built on power struggles, and change is inevitable. For him, Costner’s departure isn’t necessarily a disaster, but rather the biggest test to see if the series is truly as strong as it claims.

Taylor Sheridan and the creative gamble

Birmingham’s statement also indirectly reflects his belief in Taylor Sheridan. The man behind the Yellowstone universe has long been known for his uncompromising stance. If Sheridan believes the story must continue in a different direction, it will be a brutal but honest one – true to the spirit that Yellowstone has always upheld.

Yellowstone’s internal affairs: unity or division?

While many speculated about behind-the-scenes divisions, Gil Birmingham’s words were more reassuring than inflammatory. He indicated that the cast wasn’t siding with an individual, but with the story. This is a sign that Yellowstone may be preparing for a far-reaching restructuring, where power is redistributed and previously overshadowed voices rise again.

Rainwater – who can step into the center?

Many viewers are beginning to question whether Thomas Rainwater will become the new cornerstone of Yellowstone. With his character depth, clear moral conflict, and complex political position, Rainwater is one of the few characters capable of carrying on the spirit left behind by John Dutton. And Birmingham’s statement could be the first sign of that shift.

One word, many layers of meaning.

Gil Birmingham didn’t claim Yellowstone would be better or worse without Kevin Costner. He simply said something far more dangerous: Yellowstone had to change if it wanted to survive. In a world of landowners and power, standing still meant death.

Could Gil Birmingham’s candid remarks be a sign of a completely new Yellowstone, where John Dutton is merely a shadow of his former self?