Kevin Costner and Josh Lucas Were Kept Apart on the Set of Yellowstone

**Kevin Costner has been synonymous with “Yellowstone” since its debut in 2018. As John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton Yellowstone ranch, Costner’s presence is a key factor in the show’s success. However, he isn’t the only actor to portray this character. Josh Lucas plays a younger version of Dutton and was approached for the role even before the pilot was filmed. This foresight was part of show creator Taylor Sheridan’s meticulous planning.

In a 2022 interview with Deadline, Lucas recalled how Sheridan, after confirming the Dutton Ranch location, mapped out key plot points for upcoming seasons, even detailing where the graveyard would be placed. Lucas was impressed by Sheridan’s thorough approach and learned that his character’s backstory would be explored in the show’s fifth season.

Indeed, Season 5 delves deeper into John Dutton’s past, coinciding with Costner’s departure from the series. This narrative timing feels almost prophetic, as Sheridan seemingly crafted a visual farewell to Dutton long before Costner’s exit was confirmed.

Surprisingly, despite their characters being linked, Josh Lucas and Kevin Costner have never shared the set of “Yellowstone.”

Why Lucas and Costner Were Kept Separate

There’s a history in Hollywood of actors being kept apart while working on the same project, whether for scheduling reasons or other concerns. In the case of Lucas and Costner, the reason was practical rather than controversial. Lucas explained in a 2021 Collider interview that they were intentionally kept separate during filming. He stated, “Taylor [Sheridan] and I discussed the idea behind ‘The Godfather.’ When [Robert] De Niro played Marlon Brando’s character, he didn’t try to imitate Brando; he focused on portraying a younger Don Vito Corleone.”

This approach was intended to prevent Lucas from mimicking Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton. According to Lucas, both characters should reflect each other’s essence without the actors meeting directly.

Lucas emphasized that his interpretation of John Dutton was shaped more by his discussions with Sheridan than by trying to emulate Costner. He sought to understand Dutton’s emotional depth, especially after pivotal events like the death of his wife, which drastically affected his family. Sheridan’s response—“He’s too busy to be lonely”—helped Lucas hone in on the character’s mindset.

As Costner has exited “Yellowstone,” questions arise about the show’s future and how it will adapt without him. Fans are eager to see how Lucas’s role will evolve, particularly in light of Costner’s contentious departure.