As Yellowstone comes to a close after five intense seasons, its stars are starting to reflect on their time with the show and what’s next. One of the most significant shifts in the series has been the departure of Kevin Costner, who played the iconic patriarch, John Dutton. While Costner’s exit stirred up rumors of tension between him and creator Taylor Sheridan, another relationship that has caught fans’ attention is between Costner and his on-screen son, Luke Grimes, who played Kayce Dutton.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Grimes opened up about his current relationship with Costner and what it was like to continue filming without him. From the blindsiding nature of Costner’s departure to Grimes’ own feelings about the changes on set, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive into Grimes’ difficult confessions and what he’s focusing on as he moves forward after Yellowstone.
Luke Grimes Reflects on Yellowstone‘s Conclusion and His Relationship with Kevin Costner
The final season of Yellowstone was full of intense drama and emotional moments, culminating in the death of John Dutton in the second half of Season 5. But perhaps one of the most talked-about events was the departure of Kevin Costner, who left the show mid-season due to a mix of personal and professional reasons. While fans were left reeling from the loss of such a pivotal character, Luke Grimes, who played his son Kayce Dutton, also had to adjust to the new reality of working without his long-time on-screen father.
When asked about his current relationship with Costner, Grimes revealed that they haven’t spoken since the actor’s exit from the show. “I haven’t talked to him since,” Grimes confessed, though he quickly added, “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything. It’s just, he’s Kevin Costner. He’s a big deal.”
Grimes’ response is telling. He doesn’t seem to harbor any resentment toward Costner but instead acknowledges the complicated nature of their 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. This comment paints a picture of mutual respect but also the recognition that Costner is a larger-than-life figure with a busy schedule, making the lines of communication a bit more distant.
The Shocking Departure of Kevin Costner: Grimes’ Reaction
Luke Grimes admitted that Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone came as a shock to the entire cast. The rumors of behind-the-scenes drama and conflicts between Costner and the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, had been circulating, but none of the cast members expected the sudden departure. “None of us saw it coming the way it did,” Grimes shared. “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.”
Grimes made an emotional connection between Costner’s exit and a personal experience of loss. “I lost my father a few years ago. It happened fast, and it was not the way that you would think that that would happen,” Grimes said, reflecting on the unexpected nature of such life-altering events. His poignant comparison helps us understand just how blindsided Grimes and the rest of the cast must have felt when Costner’s departure was announced. It wasn’t just a professional change — it was a deeply emotional shift for those involved.
In the wake of Costner’s sudden exit, Grimes believes the show’s dynamics changed dramatically. “In our little Yellowstone world, that helped ramp the show up into a boil.” He’s referring to how the energy on set shifted after Costner’s departure, forcing everyone to adapt quickly to the loss of such a central figure. This marks a turning point not only for the characters on screen but also for the actors who had to adjust to a new environment.
The Impact of Kevin Costner’s Absence on the Yellowstone Set
While the Yellowstone cast had to adjust to the loss of Kevin Costner, it wasn’t all negative. In fact, Grimes revealed that filming the second half of Yellowstone Season 5 was “easier” without Costner, though he made it clear it wasn’t an ideal situation. “Hopefully everyone can see that it was time,” Grimes said, referring to how the show evolved in the absence of its lead. “To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.”
Grimes didn’t hold back in explaining how the absence of Costner changed the dynamics on set. “Obviously, it didn’t make it super fun to be around. Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season we’ve filmed.” This comment reveals a level of tension that likely existed on set during Costner’s final months with Yellowstone. Although Grimes is quick to clarify that he’s not “pointing fingers,” it’s clear that the atmosphere on set shifted in the absence of Costner, and the cast had to adjust.
These remarks from Grimes give us insight into the difficulties of working with such a high-profile actor like Costner, especially when personal and professional pressures collide. Grimes seems to acknowledge the challenges but also seems at peace with the changes that came with Costner’s departure.
What’s Next for Luke Grimes?
While Yellowstone might be behind him, Luke Grimes is looking forward to a bright future. Now that he’s no longer tied to the Dutton family saga, he’s focusing on his acting career and his personal life. One of the major changes in his life is the arrival of his first child in October, which has been a major source of joy and inspiration for the actor.
Grimes shared his excitement about balancing fatherhood with his career: “I like writing songs. I like acting. I’m going to try my best to just keep doing those things.” It’s clear that Grimes has a passion for multiple creative outlets, and he’s determined to continue working on projects that excite him. However, as a new father, he also knows the importance of providing for his family. “I have a kid now, so I’m sure that at some point I’ll have to do some things for money. I’m just hoping and praying that I can continue to be in stuff that I’m proud of,” he admitted.
His words suggest a deep desire to maintain his artistic integrity while navigating the practicalities of being a parent. Grimes is clearly committed to his craft, whether it’s acting or music, and is looking forward to the next phase of his career with a positive mindset.
Conclusion: Moving On from Yellowstone and Embracing the Future
Luke Grimes’ candid reflections on his relationship with Kevin Costner, the end of Yellowstone, and his personal life offer a unique glimpse into the complexities of working on such a high-stakes show. While the departure of Costner was undoubtedly a difficult adjustment for Grimes and the rest of the cast, it seems that Grimes is at peace with the situation and ready to move on to new opportunities. Whether it’s his acting career, music, or fatherhood, Grimes is embracing the next chapter with an open heart and a clear sense of purpose.
As Yellowstone fades into the past, Grimes’ journey is just beginning. Fans will undoubtedly be watching to see where his talents take him next, whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the scenes.
