There have been theories thrown around by fans of the show. One of the more popular theories is the fact that because Finn Little rapidly grew between seasons he changed what the initial plan was supposed to be. Instead of being the relatively small, round-cheeked boy he was in the fourth season, he became a 5’10” young man. While the changing height alone does not negate the adopted-son plotline, it works better with an actor that still looks like a child instead of a man.

Finn Little, who plays Carter, is originally from Australia.
Finn Little also appeared in Those Who Wish Me Dead, which is directed by Taylor Sheridan, who also directs Yellowstone.
The effect of his changing appearance is apparent given fans’ reactions. There are messages from fans who expressed their astonishment at his growth between seasons and how little he resembles the vulnerable child he was when introduced. Despite only being a year older, he drastically changed, shifting fans’ perspectives as well. Potentially, the showrunners expected this reaction and decided to head it off at the pass by assigning him a different role than he was filling when first introduced.

Additionally, Finn Little has been filming other media aside from Yellowstone, which could further explain his reduced role on the show. For example, he appeared in The Surferalongside Nicolas Cage, which was released on May 18, 2024. Given the timing of this release, it is easy to assume that he was filming his scenes during Yellowstone’s production process. Thus, it is logical to conclude that he might not have had the time to dedicate to Yellowstone, limiting his screen time on the show.

How Carter Still Has A Future In The Yellowstone Franchise

A major surprise to many viewers came in February 2023 when it was announced that Yellowstone would end with Season 5, albeit in two parts. The primary reason for the show’s ending is a dispute between the show and its star, Kevin Costner. Costner, who allegedly has asked for a shorter shooting schedule while making his own Western film epic, Horizon: An American Saga, recently stated that he is open to returning for the series’ final installments but nothing is official yet. If Costner does not return to Yellowstone, which would be a shame for the show as a whole, it does open up the door for some minor characters, such as Carter, to receive a more prominent role on the show. Although Carter’s best bet at continuing his story on a bigger stage would be in the form of the next spin-off of Yellowstone: 2024.

In the same announcement that Yellowstone would be ending with Season 5, another spin-off, 2024, was announced. 2024 will serve as a continuation of the flagship series and will supposedly star Kurt Russell in a leading role, although this has yet to be confirmed. It is also rumored that characters from Yellowstone will appear on the new show, but this will likely not be clear until Yellowstone wraps its run. If 2024 still revolves around the Dutton Ranch without John at the helm, this would be the perfect opportunity for Carter to get a bigger role within the franchise.

As of now, five Yellowstone spin-offs are on air and planned, including 1883, 1923, 1944, 2024, and 6666.
Jimmy Hurdstram, who will be one of the lead characters in 6666, was a thief and drug cook before becoming a ranch hand.
Carter can transition from a background character to a central character in the ensemble alongside Russell, and it would also make the addition of the character to Yellowstone pay off in the long run. Carter’s story can easily be a story of growing into his role on the ranch with his impending adulthood, which could also double as a pseudo-Rip storyline that viewers never got to see in Yellowstone’s flashbacks. Another option, although less likely, would be for Carter to move onto a different spin-off, 6666, which follows the Texas ranch that fellow rancher Jimmy Hurdstram was sent to in Season 4. Until viewers get more details on how the franchise will proceed, Carter’s story will remain in limbo, but there is certainly potential for the character in the future.