Luke Grimes revealed in a Men’s Health interview that he hasn’t spoken to Kevin Costner since his surprising exit from Yellowstone. Grimes attributes their lack of communication to Costner’s star power, explaining that he feels it’s up to Costner to reach out if he wants to. Despite their lack of contact, Grimes insists that there are no hard feelings between them, though he did acknowledge the unexpected nature of Costner’s departure from the show, comparing it to a personal loss he experienced in the past.
The drama surrounding Costner’s exit from Yellowstone continued to unfold as the show faced delays and rumors of a feud between showrunner Taylor Sheridan and Costner. Sheridan revealed in an interview that Costner had a passion project he wanted to direct, which led to disagreements with the network about his exit from Yellowstone. Ultimately, Costner chose not to return for the final episodes of the show, with his character, John Dutton, meeting a violent end in a murder-for-hire plot. Costner expressed surprise at the manner of his character’s exit and mentioned that he was unaware of the episode airing, noting that he had heard it was a suicide.
While Costner has moved on from Yellowstone, most of his cast members helped wrap up the show. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s characters reportedly secured a spinoff, showcasing their continued involvement in the Yellowstone universe. Grimes, on the other hand, has been preparing to say goodbye to his character, Kayce, reflecting on what he enjoyed about playing the role over the years. Grimes praised Kayce for his vulnerability and realistic portrayal of masculinity, noting that the character’s struggles and imperfections made him a relatable and well-rounded figure.
Grimes delved into Kayce’s emotional journey on the show, highlighting his experiences in war and subsequent battle with PTSD. He acknowledged the challenge of portraying such a complex character but emphasized the importance of showcasing a realistic portrayal of masculinity for viewers. Grimes credited Taylor Sheridan for creating multi-dimensional characters within the western genre, adding depth and complexity to their storylines. Overall, Grimes expressed pride in his portrayal of Kayce and the impact the character has had on viewers going through similar experiences in real life.
Despite the challenges, Grimes appreciated the opportunity to explore Kayce’s emotional depth and growth throughout the series. He emphasized the importance of portraying a character who faces adversity and struggles with their vulnerabilities, showcasing a more realistic and relatable version of masculinity. Grimes’s reflections on his character’s journey highlighted the depth and complexity of the storytelling on Yellowstone, praising both the character development and the creative vision of the show’s creators. Overall, Grimes’s insights shed light on the emotional and psychological nuances of portraying a character like Kayce and the impact it has had on both himself and the audience.