Kevin Costner and Josh Lucas Required Separation on the Set of Yellowstone

Kevin Costner and Josh Lucas: Separate Paths in the World of Yellowstone

Since its debut in 2018, Kevin Costner has been the iconic face of “Yellowstone,” portraying John Dutton, the formidable head of the Dutton ranch. His performance has played a significant role in the show’s immense popularity. However, Costner isn’t the only actor to embody the Dutton patriarch; Josh Lucas plays a younger version of the character. In fact, Lucas was approached for the role even before the pilot episode was filmed, a testament to the meticulous planning by show creator Taylor Sheridan.

In a 2022 interview with Deadline, Lucas recounted how Sheridan outlined his vision for the series long before it premiered. After confirming the location for the Dutton Ranch, Sheridan meticulously indicated where key events would unfold across multiple seasons, even designating a spot for a future graveyard. Lucas was impressed by Sheridan’s foresight and was told that his character would make an appearance in the show’s fifth season.

Indeed, Season 5, Part 1 delves deeper into John Dutton’s backstory, showcasing pivotal moments from his past as Costner prepared to exit the series. With Costner’s confirmed departure from “Yellowstone,” it seems Sheridan anticipated this transition, crafting a visual tribute to the character long before it came to fruition.

What’s particularly surprising is that, despite both actors portraying John Dutton, Lucas and Costner have never shared the set of “Yellowstone.”

Why Kevin Costner and Josh Lucas Were Kept Apart

In Hollywood, it’s not uncommon for actors to be kept separate during production. Iconic pairings like James Earl Jones and Eddie Murphy in “Coming to America 2,” or Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Batman & Robin,” have experienced similar situations, often due to scheduling conflicts. In the case of Lucas and Costner, however, there was no underlying drama; rather, a practical decision was made.

In a 2021 interview with Collider, Lucas explained that he and Costner were intentionally kept apart during filming. He noted that Costner was typically absent when Lucas was shooting his scenes. Lucas mentioned their discussion about “The Godfather,” where Robert De Niro portrayed a younger Marlon Brando not by mimicking him but by embodying the essence of the character. This approach was central to their collaboration; both Sheridan and Lucas aimed to ensure that while their portrayals of John Dutton resonated with each other, they did not need to meet to achieve that connection.