A Western Legend Considered for Yellowstone

Robert Redford, the iconic actor who passed away on September 16, 2025, at age 89, nearly stepped into the modern Western epic Yellowstone as John Dutton. Best known for his unforgettable roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, The Great Gatsby, and Jeremiah Johnson, Redford was considered the quintessential Western star.

Before Kevin Costner made the role his own, creator Taylor Sheridan originally pitched Yellowstone to HBO. The network reportedly agreed to greenlight the series—but only if Redford could star as the patriarch of the Dutton family. Taylor successfully persuaded the veteran actor to come out of retirement for the project, envisioning Redford leading a contemporary saga steeped in Western grit.

HBO’s Changing Tune

Despite securing Redford’s interest, HBO executives eventually backed away. According to Taylor Sheridan, a key HBO VP dismissed the series as “Middle America,” feeling the setting was too rural for their avant-garde programming. “It should be a park or something,” the executive reportedly said, reflecting HBO’s reluctance to invest in a drama set in the expansive Montana landscape.

The setback forced Sheridan to return to the drawing board. While the series would eventually land at Paramount Network and become a massive success with Kevin Costner as John Dutton, fans can only imagine how the show might have differed with Redford at the helm.

Imagining Redford as John Dutton

Had Redford taken the role, Yellowstone would have leaned heavily on the gravitas and gravely charm that defined his Western persona. His presence alone could have shifted the tone of the show, blending classic Western stoicism with modern family drama. Many speculate that his interpretation would have emphasized nuance and quiet authority, perhaps even altering the show’s story arcs and character dynamics.

Legacy of a True Icon

Redford’s legacy in film spans decades, with performances that combined charisma, emotional depth, and an undeniable connection to the Western genre. While he never portrayed John Dutton, his influence on Hollywood Westerns remains indelible. Yellowstone fans are left to marvel at what might have been, while celebrating the enduring contributions of a performer who defined generations of cinema.

A Modern Western Without Redford

Ultimately, Kevin Costner became the face of John Dutton, bringing his own intensity and presence to the role. Yet, the tale of Redford nearly joining the cast serves as a fascinating “what if” in television history—a reminder of how close the modern Western came to being led by one of Hollywood’s greatest icons.

For fans of Redford, Yellowstone, and Western storytelling alike, the story highlights not only his talent but the narrow paths of fate that shape television and film history. His passing at 89 marks the end of an era, but the legend of Robert Redford—and the roles he almost played—will live on.