As Yellowstone returns for its final episodes of Season 5 this Sunday, November 10, 2024, fans are preparing for an emotional farewell to the Dutton family. But there’s a major shift happening behind the scenes that will undoubtedly be felt on-screen: the absence of Kevin Costner, who portrayed the iconic patriarch, John Dutton.
Costner’s departure from the series has been a hot topic ever since it was announced, and now, as the show enters its final stretch, the impact of his exit is more apparent than ever. Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, recently spoke to People about the experience of filming the last episodes of Yellowstone without Costner, and how his absence has shaped the mood on set. In this article, we dive into Grimes’ thoughts on the change, the inevitable storyline shift, and how the cast pushed forward despite the challenges.
Luke Grimes on Filming Without Kevin Costner: “It Felt Different”
Luke Grimes has been a staple on Yellowstone since the very first episode, playing Kayce Dutton, the troubled son of John Dutton. His character has had a strong and complex relationship with his father, John, and much of Kayce’s arc has been shaped by his bond with Costner’s character. So, when it was revealed that Costner would be stepping away from the show ahead of filming the final episodes, it left a palpable void on set.
Speaking candidly about the experience, Grimes shared that Costner’s absence was immediately noticeable. “Him not coming back felt like, ‘Okay, we’re going to have to land this plane now for real,'” Grimes said. The reality set in quickly: without John Dutton, the show’s foundation was shifting, and the remaining Duttons—especially the children—would have to carry the weight of the family legacy.
While the absence of such a powerful and central figure like John Dutton would be felt by any show, Grimes expressed that it was especially impactful on Yellowstone. “He’s a big presence, man, guy’s an icon,” Grimes added, referring to Costner’s stature both as an actor and as the central figure in the show. “So not having him around to set felt a little different.”
However, despite the significant change, Grimes remained optimistic, emphasizing that the show’s cast had formed a tight-knit family over the years. “We’re a big family now,” Grimes said. “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.”
The Storyline Shift: The Duttons Without Their Rock
The biggest question on fans’ minds is: How will the Dutton family cope without John Dutton at the helm? From the very beginning of Yellowstone, John Dutton has been the anchor of the series. His strong presence, complex moral code, and love for his land and family have shaped the series’ entire narrative. But with Kevin Costner’s exit, Yellowstone must now explore the impact of his absence on the remaining Duttons.
Grimes teased that the absence of the patriarch was always part of the show’s long-term plan. “I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story,” he said, acknowledging that the inevitable loss of John Dutton was already baked into the show’s DNA. “That’s always where it was headed. What do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?”
This storyline shift is one of the key emotional arcs in the final episodes of Yellowstone—one that will see Kayce, Beth, and Jamie Dutton facing the harsh reality of their father’s departure. For Kayce, in particular, the absence of his father will likely have profound consequences on his emotional journey. Fans will get a glimpse into what happens to a family when the person who holds them all together is suddenly gone.
Grimes has previously discussed his character’s relationship with his father, and the loss of John Dutton will likely add a new layer of depth to Kayce’s arc. His journey of healing, redemption, and leadership may take center stage as the Dutton children try to fill the void left by their father’s absence.
The Impact of Kevin Costner’s Departure on Yellowstone’s Future
While Yellowstone will undoubtedly be different without Kevin Costner, the show’s creator and writer, Taylor Sheridan, has always been the driving force behind its direction. Despite the significant behind-the-scenes tensions that led to Costner’s departure, Grimes believes the show’s future is still in good hands.
“It all comes down to Taylor’s vision,” Grimes explained. “He has to see it to be able to write it, and I don’t think he’s going to write something that he doesn’t want to.” The key here is Sheridan’s creative vision. If he’s excited about continuing the story, then fans can expect new and compelling developments for the Dutton family—whether it’s through a potential sixth season or another spin-off project.
Sheridan is known for his vast storytelling vision, extending far beyond Yellowstone. He’s already launched successful spin-offs like 1883 and 1923, and with the Yellowstone universe continuing to expand, there may be more opportunities to explore new stories. However, for the original Yellowstone series, it seems that Season 5 will be its final chapter, with the remaining episodes wrapping up the Dutton family’s saga in a way that Sheridan and the team feel is true to the show’s legacy.
As Grimes put it, “Whatever the circumstances may be, [it] definitely felt like, ‘Okay, we’re coming in for a landing.'” It’s clear that while the team might have been facing some challenges behind the scenes, they remained focused on delivering a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the story that fans have followed for years.
Will There Be More Seasons of Yellowstone?
Despite the fact that Season 5 will wrap up the Yellowstone story as we know it, there is still some ambiguity about what lies ahead. Grimes hinted at “rumblings” regarding the show’s future, which could mean that Sheridan is considering further exploration of the Duttons’ world.
However, he was careful to point out that it all comes down to Sheridan’s creative vision. “Basically, we’re just going to see if Taylor has an idea that he gets excited about, and that’s going to make all the difference here.” Whether or not there are more seasons of Yellowstone depends largely on whether Sheridan feels compelled to keep telling the story, or whether he feels the time has come to close the chapter for good.
The Road Ahead: What Can Fans Expect from Yellowstone Season 5, Part II?
The final episodes of Yellowstone Season 5 are set to deliver high-stakes drama, intense family conflicts, and emotional moments that will leave fans on the edge of their seats. With John Dutton’s absence, the Dutton children will be forced to step up and face the consequences of their father’s decisions. Kayce, Beth, and Jamie will each have their own struggles to contend with, all while navigating the complex web of family loyalty, power, and survival.
As we’ve seen in the previous seasons, Yellowstone doesn’t shy away from intense, unpredictable moments. Expect more twists and turns, as the Dutton family tries to figure out how to maintain their hold on the ranch and their legacy. With Costner no longer around to guide them, the remaining Duttons will have to rely on their own instincts and decisions, for better or worse.
Conclusion: The Dutton Family Saga Comes to a Close
As Yellowstone nears its grand finale, it’s clear that the show is evolving, just as its characters have over the years. Kevin Costner’s absence is a significant shift, but Luke Grimes and the rest of the cast are committed to wrapping up the Dutton family’s story in a way that feels true to the legacy of the show. With the final episodes of Season 5 on the horizon, Yellowstone fans can expect a conclusion that’s packed with emotion, drama, and the heart-wrenching moments that have made the series a phenomenon.
While the Yellowstone story may be coming to an end, the universe that Taylor Sheridan created is still expanding. With spin-offs and prequels continuing to explore the Dutton legacy, there’s no shortage of stories to come. But for now, all eyes are on the final episodes of Yellowstone, as we bid farewell to John Dutton and the rest of the Dutton family.
