The drama surrounding Yellowstone‘s fifth and final season took a surprising turn when Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton on the show, shared his thoughts on Kevin Costner’s absence. Grimes admitted that while Costner’s departure was not without its challenges, it had an unexpected effect on the filming process—one that made the season “easier” in some ways. His candid remarks left fans and industry insiders talking, as Grimes seemed to hint at deeper tensions between him and his legendary co-star.
In an exclusive interview with Esquire, Grimes, 40, opened up about the experience of filming without Costner, who plays family patriarch John Dutton. His comments have generated a lot of buzz, especially considering the rumors of behind-the-scenes tension that have surrounded the show for some time. So, what did Grimes really mean when he said the absence made it the “easiest season”? Let’s break it down.
Grimes Reflects on Costner’s Absence in Season 5
Luke Grimes has always been open about his experiences on the set of Yellowstone. The actor, known for his portrayal of the emotionally complex Kayce Dutton, has had an intricate relationship with the show’s lead, Kevin Costner. However, with Costner’s absence from the second half of Yellowstone Season 5, Grimes was finally able to offer a glimpse into what filming was like without the presence of the iconic actor.
In his interview, Grimes remarked, “To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.” While he didn’t directly accuse anyone, Grimes alluded to the fact that filming without Costner made certain aspects of the show easier. He even went so far as to call it “the easiest season we’ve filmed.”
This wasn’t an isolated comment. Grimes went on to explain that it wasn’t necessarily fun to be in a work environment without the full cast. However, the absence of such a dominant personality in the room seemed to shift the energy and, in some cases, the tone of the series. For fans who have followed the tumultuous behind-the-scenes stories of Yellowstone, Grimes’ comments may hint at something much deeper than just logistics—it could be a reflection of the real-life tensions that many have speculated about for years.
The Underlying Tensions: A Glimpse Into the Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Grimes did not shy away from acknowledging the rumored drama between Costner and showrunner Taylor Sheridan, which has plagued the Yellowstone set for some time. These tensions have been the subject of tabloids and online gossip for months. For his part, Grimes never directly blamed anyone for the situation but did acknowledge that these behind-the-scenes struggles inevitably impacted the show’s filming process.
“I haven’t talked to [Costner] since he left,” Grimes revealed during his interview with Men’s Health MH Flex. “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything. It’s just, he’s Kevin Costner.” In that one statement, Grimes conveyed a lot about the reality of working on a high-profile show like Yellowstone. While he may not have ill will toward Costner, the fact that the two have not spoken since Costner’s departure suggests that the dynamics on set have shifted in a significant way.
Grimes went on to explain that his relationship with Costner wasn’t one of close personal friendship—understandably, given the nature of their working relationship on the show. But the comment about Costner’s “big deal” status reveals that Grimes respects him, even if their professional paths diverged. While it may not have been a personal falling out, Grimes’ perspective on the situation sheds light on how the stress of working with such a large ensemble cast and complex character arcs can lead to complicated dynamics.
The Show Must Go On: Yellowstone Without Costner
When Kevin Costner left Yellowstone during the filming of its fifth and final season, fans were left wondering how the series would continue without its central figure. John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, has been at the heart of the drama since day one, and his absence left a noticeable gap in the storyline. In addition, Costner’s decision to exit midway through the season sparked a flurry of speculation about the reasons behind it.
Despite the tension that surrounded Costner’s departure, Yellowstone continued filming and released the second half of Season 5 without him. In an interview with Esquire, Grimes opened up about the emotional rollercoaster that came with Costner’s exit. He acknowledged that, as unexpected and sudden as the situation was, it had a profound impact on the cast and the overall mood on set.
“The conflict was gone,” Grimes explained, underscoring how different things felt without Costner’s commanding presence on set. With Costner no longer around to create the kind of familial tension that Yellowstone is known for, Grimes reflected on how filming became less emotionally taxing. Of course, this doesn’t mean that the show was easy to make—Grimes, and the rest of the cast, still had the monumental task of finishing the final season of what has been a hugely successful show. However, the absence of Costner removed an element of dramatic weight that was ever-present throughout the series.
A Reflection on Change and Moving Forward
Despite the drama, Grimes spoke about the shift in dynamics as a natural part of the show’s evolution. “None of us saw it coming the way it did,” he said, adding, “In life, these things happen, and then people have to start making decisions.” This comment spoke to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry, where nothing is set in stone, and even long-term relationships can come to an abrupt end.
For Grimes, his experience on Yellowstone has not only been one of professional growth but also personal transformation. “I lost my father a few years ago,” he shared, reflecting on the larger picture of life and loss. The comment showed that Grimes had internalized the changes on set and related them to personal growth. And like many fans, Grimes had to come to terms with the reality of the show’s transition.
As for the future of Yellowstone and the Dutton family saga, Grimes seems resigned to the fact that sometimes life—both on and off screen—unfolds in unexpected ways. “It helped ramp the show up into a boil,” he added, suggesting that Costner’s absence might have contributed to pushing the narrative to new heights. Grimes appears to embrace this transition, knowing that in the world of Yellowstone, nothing ever stays the same for long.
Conclusion: Grimes’ Honest Take on Yellowstone Season 5
Luke Grimes’ comments about Kevin Costner’s absence from Yellowstone Season 5 have added fuel to the ongoing fire of behind-the-scenes drama. While his remarks on the “easiest season” to film without Costner may have seemed like subtle shade, they also offer a rare glimpse into the realities of working on a high-stakes, high-pressure show. It’s clear that the dynamics on set shifted in significant ways, and Grimes is just one of many players who had to adjust to the changes.
While Grimes and Costner may not have been close friends, the absence of Costner’s character, John Dutton, from the show’s final chapters will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact. As fans wait to see how Yellowstone concludes, it’s evident that the show’s future—both on screen and behind the scenes—will be shaped by these changes.
