Who will reign the Dutton Ranch? All of the wildest fan theories follow Kevin Costner’s shock Yellowstone exit

It’s time to face the facts, the end of Yellowstone is near!

Following the shock news that Kevin Costner will not be returning to the hit-drama series,

fans went into a frenzy with theories on Yellowstone’s long-awaited finale.

Watch every episode of Yellowstone on Stan now. From chilling predictions on how the series will end, to the fate of the Dutton Ranch and guesses on how the story will continue without its main patriarch.

Ahead of Yellowstone’s mammoth final installment, which premieres November 11, only on Stan, we’ve rounded up the most popular fan predictions here:

Who will take over the Dutton Ranch?

Dutton Family in Yellowstone on Stan

With Costner’s character potentially out of the picture, there’s one popular theory making its way through the fan base.

Assuming some sort of an explosive showdown will take place, fans believe youngest son Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) will reign the ranch.

“After seeing all the death and turmoil that comes from just being associated with the ranch, ownership all falls to Kayce,” one viewer on Reddit began.

“He clearly sees what will happen to his family if he chooses to continue the legacy there. So to avoid losing what little he has left, he consults with Monica on a decision he comes to.

“She agrees and the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch is to be sold. However it is done so through a non revocable trust where it cannot be sold off to corporate land developers,” they predicted.

Wes Bentley and Luke Grimes in Yellowstone.

Another fan seconded that idea: “I think that the ranch will end up going to [Kayce’s son] Tate, and he will give it back to the tribe and be annexed into the reservation.”

While a third agreed: “I think it 100% ends up going to Kayce… Kacey keeps the east area with the house and meadow plus 500 acres and the cemetery.”

With multiple spin-offs in the Yellowstone universe, including prequel 1883, some fans have pointed out a massive clue that could back this circling theory.

“Just finished 1883… The Indian chief said the Duttons could have the land for seven generations, which makes me think it does go back to Tate,” one keen viewer commented.

“Yes yes yes I picked up on this too!” said another. “But Tate giving it back to Black Rock and it becomes protected land!!!”

For curious viewers, the exact line is: “In seven generations my people will rise up and take it back from you.” To which James Dutton replies: “In seven generations you can have it.”

Tate is of Native American descent, so… you never know!

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