“Luke Grimes Speaks Out on Kevin Costner’s Departure from ‘Yellowstone'”
Luke Grimes Reflects on Kevin Costner’s Exit from ‘Yellowstone’
Luke Grimes recently shared his thoughts on Kevin Costner’s departure from the acclaimed series Yellowstone, emphasizing that it hasn’t adversely affected the show.
The popular Western drama, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, debuted in 2018. It centers around the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Costner), who oversees the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the U.S. The series delves into their struggles to protect their land and way of life against various threats.
As tensions rise, John’s children—lawyer Jamie (Wes Bentley), fierce daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly), and cowboy Kayce (Luke Grimes)—find themselves embroiled in the ongoing conflict. The narrative explores themes of power, loyalty, greed, and survival in the American West.
Season 5, Part 1 of Yellowstone aired from November 2022 to January 2023, with the second part of the final season set to premiere on November 10, 2024. In May 2023, it was announced that this season would mark the show’s conclusion, following production delays linked to reported disputes between Sheridan and Costner, along with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Despite some fan backlash regarding Costner’s exit, Grimes told Newsweek that the show has remained strong. “I think it would be unfair for me to comment too much on that, considering the show has spanned seven years with countless developments,” he stated. “All I know is that the show adapted and persevered.”
He expressed confidence that the series would conclude in a manner that fans would appreciate. “I think the ending will be very satisfying because that’s what you want from a great show—something unpredictable yet fulfilling,” Grimes noted.
Following his exit from Yellowstone, Costner took a financial leap with his project Horizon: An American Saga, which he plans to release in four parts. The first two chapters debuted in theaters in June and September 2023. Many speculate that this venture contributed to the abrupt end of the beloved series. Regardless of the circumstances behind the scenes, Paramount decided to conclude Yellowstone after Season 5, Part 2.
Grimes has developed a deep connection with Montana, the setting for the show. He and his wife decided to leave L.A. in search of a more fulfilling home life. “I always felt like L.A. was just the office for me, not home,” he explained. “When we started considering where to raise a family, Montana emerged organically as the place we both felt drawn to.”
Grimes has since collaborated with Carhartt on its “History In The Making” campaign, featuring in a short film that highlights the hardworking ranchers and farmers in Montana dedicated to preserving their land and providing essential resources.
