After Kevin Costner‘s dramatic exit from Yellowstone, his former costar Luke Grimes has been forthcoming about them falling out of contact.
Yellowstone, which premiered on Paramount in 2018, followed the fictional Dutton family, who own the largest ranch in Montana. Taylor Sheridan’s TV universe prospered for five seasons on Paramount Network before reported tension with Costner led to the actor’s exit from the show.
The series ultimately came to an end before expanding with spinoffs such as The Dutton Ranch and Marshals. While most of the cast have chosen not to address where they stand with Costner now, Grimes hasn’t shied away from those conversations.
“I haven’t talked to him since [he left]. It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything. It’s just, he’s Kevin Costner,” Grimes told Men’s Health MH Flex in December 2024. “He’s a big deal. I do have his phone number — I just don’t feel like it’s my place to reach out. He can reach out to me if he wants to.”
Costner reacted to Grimes’ comments at the time, telling reporters, “I’m not thinking about [the Yellowstone finale]. I don’t think I’ve given it any thoughts, we’ll just let it go.”
The Oscar winner also dodged a question about whether he is in touch with Grimes. “No. We are done talking,” he added.
Keep scrolling for Grimes’ brutally honest commentary:
Missing His Presence
After Kevin Costner’s character John Dutton was written out of Yellowstone, Luke Grimes spoke to People about the shift, sharing in November 2024, “He’s a big presence, man, guy’s an icon.”
He continued: “So not having him around to set felt a little different. But as always, I mean, we’re a big family now. It was just as special and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much.”
No Longer in Touch
“I haven’t talked to him since,” Luke Grimes told Men’s Health one month later about Kevin Costner’s departure. “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything. It’s just, he’s Kevin Costner. He’s a big deal. I do have his phone number — I just don’t feel like it’s my place to reach out. He can reach out to me if he wants to.”
Grimes noted that he didn’t end on bad terms with Costner, adding, “None of us saw it coming the way it did, and obviously there was news about possible blowups behind the scenes or whatever. But just like in life, man, these things happen, they happen fast, and they’re not predictable.”
Easier to Film
Luke Grimes was asked about his experience filming the fifth and final season of the hit Paramount Network drama during an interview with Esquire, to which he replied, “Hopefully everyone can see that it was time.”
The actor, who played Kayce Dutton, specifically mentioned Costner’s absence.
“To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone,” Grimes admitted. “Obviously, it didn’t make it super fun to be around. Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season we’ve filmed.”
