Kevin Costner and Josh Lucas Were Kept Apart on the Set of Yellowstone
Since its debut in 2018, Kevin Costner has been the face of “Yellowstone,” portraying John Dutton, the head of the Dutton ranch. His performance is a significant reason behind the show’s popularity on Paramount. However, he’s not the only actor to play this iconic character; Josh Lucas portrays a younger version of John Dutton. Lucas was approached for the role even before the pilot was filmed, showcasing the meticulous planning of show creator Taylor Sheridan.
In a 2022 interview with Deadline, Lucas recounted how Sheridan had a clear vision for the series. After confirming the Dutton Ranch location, Sheridan mapped out pivotal scenes for each season, even specifying where the graveyard would go. Lucas was impressed by the depth of Sheridan’s planning, noting that the character’s backstory was intended to be explored more fully in the fifth season.
Indeed, Season 5, Part 1 delves deeper into John Dutton’s past than previous seasons, serving as a rich backstory just as Costner was concluding his time on the show. Following the announcement that Costner would not return for Season 5, Part 2, it feels almost prophetic that this season reflects on John’s life before his exit, as if Sheridan anticipated the end long before it arrived.
Surprisingly, despite both actors portraying John Dutton, Lucas and Costner have never shared the set.
Why Josh Lucas and Kevin Costner Were Kept Separate on “Yellowstone”
In Hollywood, it’s not uncommon for actors to be kept apart during filming. For instance, James Earl Jones and Eddie Murphy never filmed together in “Coming to America 2,” and Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t share scenes with his co-stars in “Batman & Robin.” While some of these separations are due to scheduling, others may have more complex reasons. Fortunately, in the case of Lucas and Costner, the decision was purely practical.
In a 2021 interview with Collider, Lucas explained that he and Costner were “almost kept separate on purpose,” with Costner absent during Lucas’s shooting days. He elaborated on his and Sheridan’s approach, likening it to “The Godfather.” Just as Robert De Niro didn’t imitate Marlon Brando when playing a younger Don Vito Corleone, Lucas aimed to embody the essence of John Dutton without mimicking Costner’s performance.
Lucas emphasized that while the two versions of Dutton should resonate with one another, they didn’t need to interact directly. His portrayal was shaped more by discussions with Sheridan than by trying to mirror Costner. He sought to understand John’s emotional state, especially following his wife’s death, which significantly impacted the family dynamics.
With Costner’s exit from “Yellowstone,” questions arise about the show’s future and whether it will continue into a sixth season with remaining stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser. It will also be interesting to see how Lucas’s character is utilized moving forward, especially given the circumstances surrounding Costner’s departure.
