Luke Grimes claims Kevin Costner's exit made filming Yellowstone easier

In recent revelations, Luke Grimes, the star of the popular television series Yellowstone, expressed that the departure of Kevin Costner contributed to making the final season notably easier to film. Kevin Costner, who played the key role of John Dutton III in the series, left the production amidst controversy due to his desire to pursue his own Western film project, Horizon – An American Saga. His character was ultimately killed off during the second part of the series’ fifth and final season. Grimes, who portrays Kayce Dutton, remarked that some of the conflict present in the series diminished with Costner’s exit, which, despite the challenges it posed, led to a smoother shooting experience for the cast and crew. He reflected on the time spent with Costner, acknowledging that while there was a mixed bag of experiences, the overall production benefited from the absence of heightened tensions. In discussing the culmination of his character arc, Grimes shared his satisfaction with how it concluded, noting that seven years is a lengthy commitment for any role. He conveyed appreciation for the journey of portraying his character but acknowledged a sense of closure with the series nearing its conclusion. Additionally, Grimes addressed the politicization surrounding Yellowstone, emphasizing his frustration with how audiences often interpret the show based on preconceived notions tied to its setting and character portrayals. The final episode of Yellowstone is scheduled to air on December 15 on the Paramount network, and while the show concludes, creator Taylor Sheridan is set to move forward with a sequel series, titled The Madison, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer in a leading role, focusing on different thematic elements including grief and human connection.