The Yellowstone universe has seen its share of ups and downs over the years, and the finale of the hit show was no exception. With drama both on-screen and off, fans are still talking about what went down between the cast and crew, especially the rumored tensions between Kevin Costner and his co-star Luke Grimes. Now, Costner himself has opened up about the series finale and his strained relationship with Grimes, offering a surprisingly blunt response to the rumors.
In a recent public appearance in Aspen, Costner had a few choice words for anyone still speculating about his exit from Yellowstone, his relationship with Grimes, and whether there was any bad blood. Let’s dive into what Costner had to say, what Grimes revealed, and what all this means for the Yellowstone legacy.
Kevin Costner on the Yellowstone Finale: “I’m Not Even Thinking About That”
When asked about the highly anticipated Yellowstone series finale, Costner’s reaction was calm but notably detached. During an appearance in Aspen, a video captured by Daily Mail showed Costner brushing off questions about the show’s end.
“I’m not even thinking about that. I don’t think I’ve given it any thought,” he said, as if dismissing the entire matter.
While fans have been dissecting every detail of the finale, from the resolution of major plotlines to what it means for the future of the show, Costner seemed eager to leave the past behind. “So, we’ll just let it go,” he added, suggesting that he has moved on from the show and the emotional weight of the finale.
His indifference comes as a surprise to many, especially given that Costner has been a central figure on Yellowstone since its inception, playing John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family. However, as Costner has been busy with other projects, his departure from the show marked the end of an era for Yellowstone fans. His comments here indicate that he’s ready to move on from the hit series, signaling a shift in his priorities and his personal focus.
Kevin Costner and Luke Grimes: A Rift or Just Moving On?
Perhaps the most intriguing part of this whole Yellowstone exit saga is the rumored rift between Kevin Costner and Luke Grimes, who played his son Kayce Dutton on the show. Costner’s blunt dismissal of the subject has led many to wonder whether there is any truth to the rumors of a feud. Grimes himself weighed in on the situation in an interview, and his comments provide some clarity on the matter.
In a profile for Men’s Health MH Flex, Grimes revealed that he and Costner haven’t spoken since the Oscar-winning actor’s abrupt exit from Yellowstone during the production of the show’s fifth and final season. “I haven’t talked to him since,” Grimes confessed, adding, “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything. It’s just, he’s Kevin Costner. He’s a big deal.”
Grimes seemed to suggest that their lack of communication wasn’t due to any personal conflict, but rather a matter of the roles they played and the nature of their professional relationship. “I do have his phone number — I just don’t feel like it’s my place to reach out. He can reach out to me if he wants to,” Grimes explained.
These comments paint a picture of two professionals who, while they may not be in constant contact, don’t harbor any animosity toward each other. Grimes, known for his role as the brooding Kayce Dutton, seemed to understand Costner’s decision to step away from the show to focus on other projects, like his Horizon: An American Saga films. It’s clear that Grimes, despite his status as a key figure in Yellowstone, doesn’t view the situation as a personal slight.
Why Did Kevin Costner Leave Yellowstone?
While Costner and Grimes have both kept their comments relatively neutral, the reason for Costner’s exit from Yellowstone has been a hot topic of discussion. Rumors swirled that Costner left the series due to tensions with creator Taylor Sheridan and other behind-the-scenes issues. However, Costner has firmly denied these rumors.
In interviews, Costner stated that he left Yellowstone to focus on his film career, particularly the two Horizon movies he is currently working on. He also made it clear that there were no hard feelings between him and Sheridan. This has done little to quell speculation about the reasons behind his departure, but Costner’s stance is clear: his decision was a professional one, not a personal feud.
Grimes, too, mentioned that the rest of the Yellowstone cast was shocked by Costner’s decision to leave. “None of us saw it coming the way it did,” he admitted. “And obviously there was news about possible blowups behind the scenes or whatever. But just like in life, man, these things happen, they happen fast, and they’re not predictable.”
This confirms that while there may have been some surprise among the cast, the decision didn’t seem to stem from personal drama or deep conflicts. Instead, it appears that Costner’s departure was a combination of timing and a shift in his creative focus.
Luke Grimes Speaks About Filming Yellowstone Without Kevin Costner
One of the more telling parts of Grimes’ comments came when he reflected on how filming the second half of Yellowstone Season 5 went without Costner. “Hopefully everyone can see that it was time,” Grimes shared in an interview with Esquire. “To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.”
Grimes was candid in admitting that without Costner on set, there was less tension surrounding the production. “Obviously, it didn’t make it super fun to be around,” he said. “Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season we’ve filmed.”
These remarks offer a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Yellowstone set during its final season. Grimes acknowledged that while Costner’s departure may have alleviated some of the tension, it also created an emotionally charged atmosphere. The absence of John Dutton, the central character of the series, undoubtedly left a gap, but Grimes and the rest of the cast carried on with the show’s closure.
The Future of Yellowstone and the Dutton Family
With Yellowstone officially coming to an end, many fans are wondering what’s next for the Dutton family and the future of the show’s sprawling universe. As we look forward to the spin-offs, including 1923, 1883, and The Madison, it’s clear that Yellowstone will continue to live on through its offshoots. The Dutton legacy will keep evolving, but for Costner and Grimes, their chapter in the saga has closed.
Both actors have moved on to new projects, and it’s likely that their paths will diverge in the coming years. Despite the behind-the-scenes drama and rumors, Yellowstone remains one of the most successful shows in recent memory, and its cultural impact will continue to resonate for a long time.
Conclusion: “Let It Go”
Kevin Costner’s response to the Yellowstone finale and his rumored feud with Luke Grimes is one of finality and peace. He’s made it clear that he’s not holding on to any grudges, and he’s ready to move on from the show. Grimes, too, seems content with the way things ended, even if the journey was a bit more complicated than expected.
While the Duttons’ saga may have come to a close, the story of Yellowstone is far from over. With spin-offs in the works and a new generation of Duttons to follow, fans can expect more drama, more intrigue, and more unforgettable characters to emerge in the world Taylor Sheridan has built.
