It’s universally acknowledged that when the leading star exits a beloved show, things can never quite be the same. But, as any fan of Yellowstone can tell you, Kevin Costner’s departure is more than just a name missing from the credits—it’s a seismic shift in the very DNA of the show.
Yellowstone has been nothing short of an institution. Taylor Sheridan’s masterwork, filled with fierce family drama, sprawling landscapes, and moral gray areas, has become a staple of modern television. But Costner’s sudden exit from the series, midway through the filming of Season 5, has left a significant void, leaving fans wondering about the future of the Yellowstone universe.
And Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, knows this well. In a recent statement, he suggested that without Costner’s presence, the show—and any potential spinoffs—might struggle to capture the same weight that fans have come to love.
Luke Grimes Sounds the Alarm on Yellowstone Future After Kevin Costner’s Exit
Imagine baking a cake and halfway through realizing you’re missing the key ingredient—the flour. Sure, you can still put it in the oven, but the result? It won’t be what you hoped for. That’s what Yellowstone faces now that Kevin Costner is no longer part of the series. And if you ask Luke Grimes, it’s a change that feels as inevitable as it is bittersweet.
In a recent interview with People, Grimes, 41, opened up about the absence of Costner during the filming of the final episodes. As the former explains, Yellowstone was always heading toward a moment when the family patriarch would be gone—he just never imagined it would happen quite this way:
I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. That’s always where it was headed, like, what do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?
Yellowstone isn’t just a story about ranching and family; it’s about a man who built everything around him—and without him, things will never be quite the same. Grimes admits Costner’s exit wasn’t entirely unexpected. The former adds, with clear admiration for his co-star:
He’s [Kevin Costner] a big presence, man, guy’s an icon. So not having him around to set felt a little different.
That feeling of difference is something Grimes can’t ignore. For all the close-knit camaraderie on set, there’s no replacing the stature of a legend like Costner, who has defined much of what made Yellowstone what it is today.
Yellowstone’s Future Without Kevin Costner: Will the Duttons Lose Their Grip?
Still, Luke Grimes remains hopeful about the future of Yellowstone, and he takes solace in the idea that the Dutton family is more than just its lead. “We’re a big family now”, he says, adding (via People):
It was just as special, and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much… I think they will be able to.
Ergo, the absence of Kevin Costner undoubtedly leaves a massive hole in the show’s fabric, but the Duttons will carry on. Grimes, though, points out that Yellowstone isn’t just about the stars; it’s about the story—and as long as creator Taylor Sheridan has a vision for it, the show will continue.
I think when anything is this successful, there’s a pressure to keep it going because they know they have an audience and that’s what they’re looking for.
According to Grimes, it ultimately all comes down to Sheridan’s vision.
He has to see it to be able to write it, and I don’t think he’s going to write something that he doesn’t want to.
So, if the showrunner doesn’t find the spark he needs, Yellowstone could face a difficult road ahead.
In many ways, Grimes’ sentiment sums up what we all suspect: Yellowstone without Costner will have a hard time keeping the same punch and emotional heft that made it so compelling. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a beloved series try to milk its success, only to see it spiral out of control. Look at House of Cards, for example.
After Kevin Spacey’s exit, the show lost much of its weight, its heart, and ultimately, its audience. Similarly, Yellowstone without Costner is going to face the same challenge: Can the spinoffs carry the same gravitas without the anchor that was John Dutton?
The second part of Yellowstone Season 5 is scheduled to premiere on November 10, 2024.
Yellowstone is available on Peacock Premium.
