The conclusion of Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed Western epic, Yellowstone, after its fifth season finale on December 15, has left a profound impact on its vast fanbase and an uncertain future for its sprawling universe. While discussions are ongoing regarding potential spin-offs featuring beloved characters like Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, alongside the continuation of the successful prequel series 1923, the definitive direction for the franchise and how its ensemble cast will remain connected to the Dutton saga remains to be officially determined.

Amidst this transitional period, several cast members have begun sharing their candid thoughts on Yellowstone’s culmination and the trajectories their careers are now taking after six intense years immersed in Sheridan’s iconic Western narrative. Among these voices is Luke Grimes, who portrayed the complex and often conflicted Kayce Dutton. In a recent interview, Grimes opened up about his post-Yellowstone life, his burgeoning music career, and significantly, his relationship with former co-star and on-screen father, Kevin Costner.

Costner, who famously led the series as the formidable patriarch John Dutton, departed Yellowstone after the first half of its fifth season. His exit was widely reported to stem from creative differences on set with the showrunners and scheduling conflicts arising from his ambitious multi-part Western film project, the Horizon saga. Grimes, now 40, confessed to Men’s Health that he hasn’t spoken to Costner since his departure. “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything; it’s just, he’s Kevin Costner,” Grimes light-heartedly explained, acknowledging the actor’s considerable stature. “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 further elaborated on the unexpected nature of Costner’s exit, which culminated in his character, John Dutton, being killed off-screen in the latter half of the fifth season. “None of us saw it coming the way it did, and obviously there was news about possible blowups behind the scenes or whatever,” Grimes revealed. He drew a poignant parallel between the suddenness of the on-set changes and the unpredictability of life itself. “I lost my father a few years ago. It happened fast, and it was not the way that you would think that that would happen. In life, these things happen and then people have to start making decisions. And in our little Yellowstone world, that helped ramp the show up into a boil.” This comparison underscores the deeply personal and impactful nature of Costner’s departure, not just for the show’s narrative but for the cast members who had formed a tight-knit family over half a decade.

The undercurrent of tension prior to Costner’s departure had been simmering for some time. In a previous conversation with Esquire, Grimes alluded to some of the “conflicts” between Costner and Taylor Sheridan, offering a surprisingly candid take on how Costner’s absence ultimately affected the production. “Hopefully everyone can see that it was time,” he said of the change. “To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone. 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.” This revelation highlights the extent to which the behind-the-scenes dynamics were impacting the cast and crew, suggesting a palpable shift in atmosphere once the central figure departed. For a show renowned for its dramatic intensity, the ease of filming the final episodes speaks volumes about the previous working environment.

The departure of John Dutton, the stoic and unyielding patriarch who embodied the fight for the Dutton ranch, leaves an undeniable void at the heart of Yellowstone. His character was the anchor, the unmovable force against which all other characters—Kayce, Beth, Jamie, and Rip—redefined themselves. With John gone, the power vacuum and the imperative to protect the ranch take on new, perhaps more desperate, dimensions for the remaining Duttons. Kayce, in particular, often found himself torn between his father’s traditional ranching world and the life he built with Monica and Tate, struggling with visions and spiritual quests that foretold a difficult path. The abrupt end to his relationship with his father, even on screen, means Kayce must now fully step into his own authority, or confront an even deeper sense of loss and rudderlessness without John’s guiding, albeit demanding, presence.

Despite the flagship series concluding and the controversy surrounding its lead actor’s exit, the Yellowstone franchise is far from over. Taylor Sheridan has meticulously crafted an expansive universe, delving into the origins of the Dutton family with acclaimed prequels like 1883 and 1923. These series have not only enriched the backstory of the Montana ranch but have also proven that the themes of land, legacy, and survival resonate across different eras. Plans for further spin-offs, including 6666, focusing on the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, and a modern-day sequel series rumored to star Matthew McConaughey, aim to continue the Dutton narrative. These expansions ensure that the spirit of Yellowstone—its epic scope, complex character dynamics, and unflinching portrayal of the American West—will endure, evolving beyond the specific characters of the original series.

As for Luke Grimes, his focus now extends beyond the confines of the Dutton ranch. He told Men’s Health that his immediate priorities include honing his acting craft, pursuing his passion for music, and embracing fatherhood, having welcomed his first child in October. “I like writing songs. I like acting. I’m going to try my best to just keep doing those things,” he affirmed. Balancing artistic fulfillment with the practicalities of supporting a family, he added, “I have a kid now, so I’m sure that at some point I’ll have to do some things for money. I’m just hoping and praying that I can continue to be in stuff that I’m proud of.” This sentiment reflects a relatable journey of an artist navigating newfound responsibilities, much like the characters of Yellowstone who constantly grapple with their duties to family and land against personal desires.

The conclusion of Yellowstone marks the end of a television era, but the reflections from its cast, particularly Luke Grimes, offer a compelling glimpse into the human experience behind the spectacle. It highlights the often-unpredictable nature of long-running productions, where personal and professional lives intertwine, leading to unforeseen departures and new beginnings. As the Yellowstone universe continues to unfurl its rich tapestry, its core message of legacy and resilience remains, carried forward by its enduring themes and the evolving careers of its talented cast members.