“Yellowstone Star Luke Grimes Reveals Truth About His Bond with Kevin Costner”

Taylor Sheridan’s Western epic, Yellowstone, came to a close after five seasons on December 15, leaving the future of the franchise uncertain. Although there has been talk of potential spin-offs featuring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, along with the continuation of the prequel series 1923, no official announcements have been made about how the story and its characters will continue within the Yellowstone universe.

Since the finale, several cast members have shared their reflections on the show’s conclusion and how their careers are evolving post-Yellowstone. Among them is Luke Grimes, who spent six years on the series and recently spoke with Men’s Health about what lies ahead and his current relationships with his former co-stars.

Luke was specifically asked about his relationship with Kevin Costner, the former lead who departed midway through the fifth season due to reported creative differences with the showrunners and commitments to his own project, the Horizon saga. “I haven’t talked to him since,” Luke, 40, revealed. Lightheartedly, he added, “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything; it’s just, he’s Kevin Costner. He’s a big deal. 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.”

Reflecting on Costner’s sudden exit and the unexpected killing off of his character, family patriarch John Dutton, Luke said, “None of us saw it coming the way it did. There were rumors about blowups behind the scenes, but like in life, these things happen fast and unpredictably.” He compared it to personal loss, sharing, “I lost my father a few years ago. It happened quickly and wasn’t how you’d expect. In life, things change, and people have to make decisions. In our Yellowstone world, that shift helped ramp the show up to a boiling point.”

Luke also hinted at some of the tension on set between Kevin and creator Taylor Sheridan, noting that Costner’s departure actually made filming easier. “Hopefully everyone can see it was time. To be honest, Kevin being gone meant some of the conflict was gone.” Luke and Kelly Reilly played Kevin’s onscreen children, Kayce and Beth Dutton. “It wasn’t fun to be around all the time. Not pointing fingers, but that season was actually the easiest one we’ve filmed.”

Looking ahead, Luke shared that his priorities now center on acting, music, and fatherhood, having welcomed his first child in October. “I like writing songs. I like acting. I’m going to try my best to keep doing those things. I have a kid now, so I’m sure I’ll have to do some things for money at some point. But I’m hoping and praying I can continue to be part of projects I’m proud of.”