While promoting the forthcoming first movie in his Western film series Horizon: An American Saga, the actor and director

explained why he finally made the official announcement last Thursday that he would not be returning as Yellowstone patriarch

John Dutton when the hit Paramount Network series returns for its final episodes Nov. 10.

Costner’s news came just hours after Paramount Network had announced the premiere date and as the star’s return was looking less and less likely, as filming on the final episodes was already underway.

“It wasn’t tough,” Costner told The Hollywood Reporter when asked how difficult it was to make the long-speculated news official on June 20. “It was a necessary decision to say, ‘Hey, OK, I don’t want to really talk about this anymore. It’s time to move on.’”

“I gave this thing five seasons,” Costner said. “I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So, let’s just take that drama away, let’s take the guessing [away]. The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”

The star continued to share his appreciation for his fans as he takes on his next venture, his big-budget and independently financed three-part Western epic. Horizon: Chapter 2 arrives in theaters Aug. 16, less than two months after Chapter 1 releases June 28, and Costner has two more films planned. He’s started filming on Chapter 3, but needs more funds to complete his vision.