Luke Grimes says he hasn't spoken to Kevin Costner since 'Yellowstone'
Luke Grimes says he hasn’t spoken to Kevin Costner since the latter exited “Yellowstone” in 2024, marking a quiet end to their on-screen father-and-son dynamic on the popular Paramount Network series.
The two actors appeared together for four seasons, with Grimes playing Kayce Dutton, a former Navy SEAL and youngest son of billionaire rancher John Dutton, portrayed by Costner. Their characters often clashed over loyalty, legacy, and family obligations, particularly as Kayce navigated life between the sprawling Yellowstone Ranch and his own values.
Grimes, who has since carried the character of Kayce over to the “Yellowstone” spinoff “1923” and most recently stars in the new series “Marshals,” told USA Today that reconnecting with Costner is unlikely.
“When ‘Marshals’ creator Taylor Sheridan asked if I’d want Kevin to make a cameo, I said I haven’t talked to Kevin since we wrapped,” Grimes said in the interview. “No big falling out or anything. We’re just busy, and life moves on.”
He did say it would be “cool” to see Costner reprise his role as John Dutton in a future episode, but added that he doubts it will happen.
“If we ever did a flashback scene, I’d lean toward bringing back Monica,” Grimes said, referencing Kelsey Asbille’s character, who played a central role in Kayce’s storyline throughout “Yellowstone.” “That would probably be more meaningful to the character.”
“Marshals,” which premiered this fall on CBS, follows Kayce as he transitions from the Dutton family drama to leading a team of U.S. Marshals enforcing justice across rural Montana.
Costner’s departure from “Yellowstone” came amid reports of behind-the-scenes tensions and scheduling conflicts. While he previously cited his commitment to his Western film project “Horizon: An American Saga,” Costner later clarified that production delays and incomplete scripts for the second half of Season 5 also factored into his decision.
In a June appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan revealed that Costner had originally signed on for only three seasons but chose to extend his contract once the show gained major traction. However, by 2024, both parties agreed it was time for John Dutton to ride off into the sunset.
Neither Costner nor Sheridan has publicly commented on whether the door remains open for a return appearance.