The iconic Western series Yellowstone has entered its final chapter, but without the powerful presence of Kevin Costner on set, a new tone has emerged, and his departure marks a pivotal change. For Luke Grimes, who portrays Kayce Dutton, the absence of Costner, who played the formidable patriarch John Dutton, brought a sense of finality and an emotional shift to the set. Grimes opened up about how filming the show’s concluding episodes without Costner was like “landing a plane” in terms of wrapping up both character arcs and the Yellowstone legacy.
The Weight of Costner’s Departure
Luke Grimes, 40, has been a key player on Yellowstone since the show’s debut, portraying the introspective yet loyal Kayce Dutton. Working alongside Kevin Costner for almost a decade left an indelible impact on him. Costner’s departure wasn’t just a shift in personnel but an end to an era for Grimes and the entire cast. “Him not coming back felt like, ‘Okay, we’re going to have to land this plane now for real,’” he told PEOPLE, describing the weight of the show’s transition. The loss of John Dutton, the Dutton family’s “rock,” left a gap that had to be addressed as they concluded the series.
As Grimes sees it, Costner’s character was bound to leave eventually, whether in life or death, signaling a significant turn in the Dutton family’s story. “The patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story,” Grimes reflects, noting how his absence makes the other characters reassess their paths and face new challenges. This shift sets the stage for the final episodes to explore the legacy of John Dutton and the future of his family’s dynasty, testing how they stand when their cornerstone is gone.
A New Energy on Set and Costner’s Enduring Presence
Though Grimes acknowledges Costner’s departure as part of the storyline, he admits that the set “felt different” without the veteran actor’s energy and presence. “He’s a big presence, man; guy’s an icon,” Grimes says of Costner, whose status as a Hollywood legend brought a certain weight to the show. Costner’s influence has permeated Yellowstone from its earliest days, making his absence deeply felt among the cast and crew.
Nonetheless, Grimes explains that the cast has formed a strong bond over the years, creating a “big family” atmosphere on set. While Costner’s presence is missed, Grimes emphasizes that the show remains a deeply connected ensemble. He is hopeful that fans will continue to resonate with the story, even in this new phase. “It was just as special, and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much … I think they will be able to,” Grimes adds, confident in the cast’s ability to honor the Yellowstone legacy Costner helped build.
Costner’s Final Act and Yellowstone’s Concluding Themes
The background drama surrounding Costner’s decision to leave and his commitment to other projects, such as his self-funded film Horizon: An American Saga, has been well-documented. Scheduling conflicts between Yellowstone and Horizon ultimately led Costner to bow out, a move that added complexity to wrapping up the storylines in season five. For Grimes, this outcome may have been inevitable. “It definitely felt like, ‘Okay, we’re coming in for a landing,’” he reflects, describing the bittersweet sentiment as they head toward the show’s final episodes.
The storyline now explores what becomes of the Dutton family once their guiding figure has departed. This shift aligns with the themes that have always underscored Yellowstone: family loyalty, the cost of legacy, and the often-painful bonds between family members. The loss of the patriarch forces each Dutton to reconsider their role in the family and confront the future they want to build or defend, without relying on John Dutton’s protection or influence.
The Journey of Kayce Dutton: Loyalty, Family, and Conflict
Luke Grimes’s character, Kayce, has always had a complex relationship with his family and the Dutton legacy. Often seen as an outsider within his own family, Kayce is torn between his loyalty to the Duttons and his desire for a simpler, more peaceful life with his wife and child. “Kayce as a character feels a little bit like an outsider in his own family,” Grimes notes, acknowledging how his character’s conflicting loyalties make for a compelling dynamic. Grimes explains that while Kayce recognizes that the Dutton lifestyle may not be best for him, he feels a deep-seated loyalty to his family, even when it puts him in a difficult position.
This internal struggle has become a defining characteristic of Kayce and one that Grimes finds both challenging and enjoyable to portray. “The thing that kind of put him in between a rock and a hard place was that deep down he felt the loyalty, even though he knew maybe it wasn’t the best thing for him,” Grimes says. This sense of duty and sacrifice, which reflects John Dutton’s own life, now takes on new meaning in the absence of the family patriarch, giving Kayce and other Dutton family members an opportunity to define their own paths.
Looking Ahead: Yellowstone’s Legacy and What Fans Can Expect
With Kevin Costner gone, Yellowstone’s final episodes have a unique focus, delving deeper into what it means to carry the Dutton legacy without John Dutton at the helm. As Grimes describes it, the family’s struggle without their patriarch is a natural progression for the story, one that tests the characters’ resilience and highlights the bonds that keep them together despite their differences. The final season promises to explore these themes of loyalty, identity, and legacy with a fresh perspective as each family member grapples with what it means to carry on without the family’s unifying force.
Although Costner’s departure left a void, Grimes is optimistic that Yellowstone will continue to resonate with its audience. The cast’s close-knit bonds and commitment to the story create a foundation that honors the spirit of the series. For viewers, this means that while the familiar presence of John Dutton is missed, the heart of the story remains intact. Grimes believes the finale will be satisfying, capturing the essence of Yellowstone and celebrating its journey with fans.
Kevin Costner’s Enduring Influence on Yellowstone
Costner’s absence may leave an undeniable mark on Yellowstone, but his influence continues to shape the series. As John Dutton, Costner brought gravitas, complexity, and raw emotion to the character, embodying the strength and vulnerability of a man fighting for his land and family. This portrayal resonated with fans and helped establish Yellowstone as a cultural phenomenon. His departure closes a chapter, but his legacy will continue to influence how audiences remember the show and the Dutton family.
Ultimately, Yellowstone’s final episodes will serve as both a tribute to John Dutton’s character and an exploration of what happens when a family must carry on without its foundation. Luke Grimes and his castmates are prepared to honor that legacy, hoping to deliver a conclusion that satisfies the story they’ve built together. For Grimes and the rest of the cast, these last episodes are more than just an ending—they are a celebration of everything Yellowstone has represented, from its rugged landscapes and complex characters to the timeless struggle of family loyalty and identity
