The television landscape was profoundly shaped by Taylor Sheridan’s Western epic, Yellowstone, a series that captivated audiences for five seasons with its gripping narrative of the Dutton family’s relentless fight to protect their sprawling Montana ranch. Its much-anticipated conclusion arrived on December 15, marking the end of an era for the flagship show and prompting widespread speculation about the future of its expansive universe. While the franchise itself is set to continue with various spin-offs and prequel series like 1923, and the potential for new chapters featuring beloved characters such as Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton and Cole Hauser’s Rip Wheeler, the specific trajectory for many of its core cast members, and indeed the main narrative thread, remained largely uncertain following the final credits.

In the wake of this pivotal moment, several cast members have begun to share their insights into the show’s wrap-up and the directions their careers are now taking. Among them is Luke Grimes, who portrayed Kayce Dutton, the conflicted youngest son of patriarch John Dutton. After six years immersed in the world of Yellowstone, Grimes recently sat down with Men’s Health to discuss his professional and personal evolution, including his reflections on his relationships with former co-stars. A significant point of discussion revolved around his ties to the series’ former lead, Kevin Costner, whose departure from the show ahead of the second half of its fifth season became a subject of considerable public intrigue. Costner’s exit was widely reported to stem from creative differences on set with the showrunners and scheduling conflicts arising from his ambitious personal passion project, the multi-part Western film saga, Horizon: An American Saga.

Grimes offered a candid, yet understated, perspective on his current connection with Costner. “I haven’t talked to him since,” the 40-year-old actor confessed regarding his former onscreen father. He quickly qualified the statement with a light-hearted addendum: “It’s not a case of any hard feelings or anything; it’s just, he’s Kevin Costner.” This remark encapsulates the perceived stature and gravitas of the Hollywood icon, suggesting a natural deference rather than animosity. Grimes elaborated, “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.” This sentiment underscores a professional boundary, acknowledging Costner’s seniority and high profile within the industry.

The news of Costner’s departure, which ultimately led to his character John Dutton being killed off in the latter half of the fifth season, caught many by surprise. Grimes revealed the cast was largely blindsided by the sudden turn of events. “None of us saw it coming the way it did, and obviously there was news about possible blowups behind the scenes or whatever,” Grimes explained, referencing the widely circulated reports of friction between Costner and creator Taylor Sheridan. “But just like in life, man, these things happen, they happen fast, and they’re not predictable.” He drew a poignant parallel to personal experience, recalling the unexpected loss of his own father a few years prior. “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 highlights the disruptive and accelerating effect Costner’s exit had on the series’ narrative, forcing a dramatic pivot in the storyline.

Grimes’ statements align with previous comments he made in an interview with Esquire, where he alluded to the underlying “conflicts” that permeated the set during Costner’s tenure. Intriguingly, he suggested that Costner’s absence, while unexpected, inadvertently streamlined the production process. “Hopefully everyone can see that it was time,” he remarked about the shift. “To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.” He clarified, “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 revealing observation provides a rare glimpse into the complex dynamics behind the scenes of one of television’s most popular shows, hinting at a challenging working environment that improved with the removal of a central, yet contentious, figure.

The drama surrounding Costner’s exit and its subsequent impact on the Yellowstone storyline became a major talking point for fans and critics alike. John Dutton, as the stoic, iron-willed patriarch, was the immovable core of the series, his decisions and struggles forming the foundation of the Dutton family’s saga. His death necessitated a radical redirection for the remaining characters, forcing Kayce, Beth, and Jamie to confront their legacy and the ranch’s future without his guiding (and often heavy-handed) presence. This dramatic shift not only propelled the existing plotlines “into a boil” as Grimes described, but also paved the way for the announced continuation of the Yellowstone universe in new and diverse formats.

Indeed, while the flagship series has concluded, the Yellowstone franchise, under the creative vision of Taylor Sheridan, is far from over. Prequel series like 1883 and 1923 have already expanded the Dutton family history, exploring the origins of their ranching empire and the trials faced by earlier generations. Looking ahead, a new, currently untitled spin-off, potentially starring Matthew McConaughey, is in development, promising to carry forward the contemporary narrative of the ranch, albeit with a new leading figure and fresh perspectives. There are also persistent rumors and discussions about a direct continuation focusing on Beth and Rip, further solidifying the franchise’s commitment to its established universe and characters. Costner’s departure, while impactful, ultimately served as a catalyst for this broader expansion and redefinition of the Yellowstone narrative.

For Luke Grimes, the conclusion of Yellowstone and the ensuing industry shifts represent a transition to new horizons. Alongside his acting career, Grimes has also cultivated a burgeoning music career, releasing an acclaimed country album earlier this year. As he further told Men’s Health, his priorities now balance his artistic pursuits with his personal life, having recently 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 acknowledged the practicalities of a creative career and fatherhood: “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.” His reflections underscore a grounded outlook, embracing the future with a focus on meaningful work and family, while leaving the complex legacy of his Yellowstone experience, and his relationship with its former star, in its rightful place in the rearview mirror. The Yellowstone ranch may be changing hands, but the stories it spawned, and the careers it shaped, continue to evolve.