Luke Grimes expressed his disappointment at Kevin Costner’s departure from the popular Western series Yellowstone, acknowledging the Oscar-winner’s desire to pursue separate projects. Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, Costner’s on-screen son in the show, mentioned understanding the actor’s decision to focus on his passion projects. Despite the change, Grimes is set to start filming for the series’ fifth and final season, with the show slated to conclude after the second part of its fifth season airs this fall.
Costner’s departure from Yellowstone in May of 2023 had been a point of frustration for creator Taylor Sheridan and other cast members due to his focus on the film Horizon: An American Saga. This led to confusion and morale issues on set, ultimately resulting in Costner’s exit from the show. Paramount confirmed that the fifth season would be the last, with a premiere date set for November 10, 2024, later than originally planned due to industry strikes. Sheridan expressed disappointment at Costner’s departure, recognizing the impact it had on the show creatively.
Grimes acknowledged Costner’s commitment to his passion projects, respecting his decision to prioritize other work. Playing the role of Kayce Dutton, Grimes has been a part of the series since its inception and is set to continue until the final season’s conclusion. Costner’s departure truncated the closure of his character, as Sheridan noted, but the creator still praised Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton as symbolic and powerful. Despite reported tensions and creative differences, Sheridan emphasized that he had always been able to work things out with Costner directly, without involving lawyers.
In a recent interview, Costner expressed a desire to return for Yellowstone’s final season, although it hadn’t been feasible so far. He hinted at having his own ideas about how his character’s fate could unfold but acknowledged that Sheridan ultimately holds the creative reins. The saga surrounding Costner’s departure from the series was noted by Sheridan, who urged that the public and the press avoid shifting blame and spreading inaccurate information. His hope remains that Costner’s film project, Horizon: An American Saga, will be successful and worth the actor’s focus.
Despite the challenges faced by Yellowstone with Costner’s exit, the show is set to close out its successful run with the conclusion of the fifth season. Grimes, alongside fellow cast members such as Cole Hauser, has been integral to the series’ success and will play a pivotal role in bringing the storyline to a satisfying end. As fans eagerly anticipate the final episodes, the legacy of Yellowstone and the impact of Costner’s departure will undoubtedly be part of the show’s lasting legacy in the world of Western television dramas.
