Luke Grimes Reacts To Kevin Costner’s “Unfortunate” ‘Yellowstone’ Exit

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Luke Grimes, known for his role alongside Kevin Costner in “Yellowstone,” has shared his thoughts on Costner’s departure from the hit Western series.

In a recent interview with The Independent, Luke Grimes opened up about the departure of his co-star, who portrayed John Dutton III, the father of Grimes’ character, Kayce Dutton. Grimes addressed the impact of Costner’s exit from the series, which was announced by Entertainment Tonight, confirming that Costner would not be returning for season 5.

“Whatever happened there is unfortunate if it’s changed anything about how the show is going to unfold,” Grimes said. “I know, [Costner] got busy with his movies that were like passion projects. At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love.”

Kevin Costner Says He Wants To Return For Yellowstone’s Final Season

Reports initially suggested that disagreements over salary negotiations, creative differences, and scheduling conflicts led Costner to opt out of the first part of Season 5, casting doubt on his involvement in the series’ conclusion. However, recent insights hint at a potential change of heart, with Costner expressing interest in reprising his role for at least a few scenes in the series’ final episodes. As preparations for filming Season 5’s final episodes progress and scripts are finalized, it still remains uncertain whether the series creator, Taylor Sheridan, will incorporate Costner’s return.

Costner’s possible return to “Yellowstone” coincides with his recent announcement of launching a major movie studio in Southern Utah. Partnering with a local developer, he’s leading the charge to establish Territory Film Studios, aiming to boost the region’s film industry. Costner’s motivation for this ambitious project, estimated to cost around $40 million, stems from his own experiences, particularly during the production of his four-part series, “Horizon: An American Saga,” which is scheduled to release later this year.

“Yellowstone” Season 5, part 2, is set to premiere in November 2024 and will be the last installment of the series.