Yellowstone Season 5: Cast Reveals It Was “Easier” Post Kevin Costner’s Departure

In the wake of a lengthy hiatus and a surprising departure from its iconic lead, Luke Grimes, a prominent cast member of Yellowstone, has shared insights into the show’s fifth season. He noted that Kevin Costner’s absence contributed to a notably more relaxed filming environment for Season 5 Part 2.

As the final episodes of Taylor Sheridan’s celebrated series rolled out, they sparked mixed reactions from fans. Viewers were particularly critical of unexpected character deaths and surprising appearances from Travis Wheatley. For many passionate followers of the series, the diminished excitement of Season 5 can be largely attributed to the exit of Kevin Costner.

Costner’s departure in 2023 significantly altered the show’s trajectory, prompting a hastened conclusion with only six episodes left to tether loose storylines. Whether these episodes successfully achieved that goal largely rests on the viewers’ opinions. However, from the perspective of Luke Grimes, who portrays Kayce Dutton, the absence of Costner had a profound impact—one that may not necessarily be viewed unfavorably.

The Easiest Season? Luke Grimes Weighs In

Reflecting on the situation, Grimes remarked, “Hopefully everyone can see that it was time,” in an interview with Esquire. He candidly mentioned, “To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being gone that meant some of the conflict was gone.”

He continued, “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.”

Yellowstone: Luke Grimes as Kayce and Kevin Costner as John Dutton — Paramount

This statement evokes earlier speculation regarding a potential feud between Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator. Both parties have dismissed claims of ongoing discord, attributing Costner’s exit to scheduling conflicts and salary discussions. Nonetheless, Grimes’ reference to a lack of “conflict” may hint at underlying tensions between these influential personalities.

As a direct consequence of Costner’s departure, his character, John Dutton, was killed off in a violent ambush, a scene that ignited debates among fans about its execution. Notably, Costner himself chose not to witness his character’s on-screen demise.

In the latter part of the interview, Grimes disclosed that he did not immerse himself in fan reactions beyond the death scene of John Dutton, preferring to tread cautiously in light of potential emotional impacts. He stated, “In the past, no, because it would have hurt my feelings. This year, I read a little bit of the fan reaction about John Dutton dying… But I’m careful.”

For those interested in the conclusion of the Yellowstone saga, details about the finale’s release date are available. Fans can also explore the future of the franchise with upcoming spinoffs, including 6666, The Madison, and Season 2 of 1923.

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