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Fans are still heartbroken by Kevin Costner’s decision to quit Yellowstone, but despite all the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding his departure, his co-star Luke Grimes supports him. Keep reading to see Luke Grimes’ response to Kevin Costner leaving Yellowstone.
Yellowstone is Paramount’s successful Western drama that follows the real-life Dutton family, who own and operate the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the largest ranch in the state of Montana. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the series premiered in 2018 and stars Kevin Costner as John Dutton III, the six-generation patriarch of the Dutton family. Throughout the series, John and his family are constantly protecting the Yellowstone ranch from those attempting to take their land, including an Indian reservation and wealthy land developers. The success of the show spawned an entire franchise, which now includes several prequel and sequel series.
Costner’s exit from the series was confirmed in May 2023 following reports of tension between him and Sheridan. According to Deadline, the show’s star grew more focused on the multi-part western epic he is directing and starring in, titled Horizon. As a result, Costner allegedly wanted to spend only one week filming Season 5 Part 2, which did not work for Sheridan.
Shortly after news of his departure broke, Paramount announced that Yellowstone would be ending with Season 5 and forgoing the originally planned Season 6. Sheridan later told The Hollywood Reporter that he was “disappointed” with Costner’s decision, explaining that it “truncates the closure of his character. It doesn’t alter it, but it truncates it.”
Luke Grimes, on the other hand, is supportive of his on-screen father’s decision. The actor and country singer portrays Kayce Dutton, John Dutton’s youngest child and a ex-Navy SEAL, and is a favorite amongst fans. In an April 2024 interview with The Independent, Grimes admitted that Costner’s controversial departure is “unfortunate,” but noted that he understands his reasons for leaving. “Whatever happened there is unfortunate if it’s changed anything about how the show will unfold,” he said, adding of Costner’s western epic: “I know, [Costner] got busy with his movies that were like passion projects.”
He continued, “At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love.”
Grimes reflected on the show ending during a March 2024 interview with PEOPLE, noting that he “doesn’t know” how he’ll react when it’s “actually said and done.” He added that the show has been “a huge part of my life.” Grimes continued: “For seven years, we’ve been doing this, and we started in 2017. That’s crazy. This cast and crew, they’re like a second family, we spend a lot of time together … It’s been one of the most intense experiences of my life. Also, one of the most rewarding. It’s changed my life in every way possible.”
In lieu of continuing the flagship series, Paramount and Sheridan will be turning their focus to the various other series in the Yellowstone franchise, including the upcoming sequel tentatively titled 2024. “Yellowstone has been the cornerstone on which we have launched an entire universe of global hits – from 1883 to Tulsa King, and I am confident our Yellowstone sequel will be another big hit, thanks to the brilliant creative mind of Taylor Sheridan and our incredible casts who bring these shows to life,” Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, said in statement in May 2023. David Glasser, CEO, 101 Studios, added: “The Dutton story continues, picking up where Yellowstone leaves off in another epic tale. We are thrilled to bring this new journey to audiences around the world.”
