With the final episodes of Yellowstone approaching, major changes are stirring the pot for both the cast and fans. The departure of Kevin Costner, who had been pivotal to the show's success as John Dutton, has led to new dynamics on set and raised questions among viewers about what’s to come. “Yellowstone” star Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, recently opened up about the shift, noting it was quite noticeable during film production.
During his conversation with Esquire, Grimes stated, "Hopefully everyone can see it was time," referring to Costner’s absence during the making of the show’s final episodes. He candidly added, "To be really honest, there was a part of Kevin being 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." It appears the crew has managed to navigate the waters without the star, and Grimes believes there might be some unexpected benefits from Costner's exit.
The impending series finale, set to air on December 15, marks the end of seven years of storytelling. For Grimes, this end feels like “good timing.” He reflected on his experience, saying, “Seven years is a long time to do anything,” especially when it concerns consistently embodying one character. Grimes highlighted how his character has evolved throughout the series: “Kayce wants to cowboy and be happy with his family. He doesn’t want to kill people anymore.”
Notably, the show has also stirred speculation about potential spin-offs. While Grimes is open to the idea, he wonders how the story might extend once the primary narrative concludes. “There’s always talks of spin-offs,” he mentioned, though he seemed uncertain about how they would fit with Kayce’s newfound desire for peace and fulfillment away from the drama of the ranch.
One might wonder how fans will react to the conclusion of Yellowstone. According to Grimes, he is skeptical about audience satisfaction. "At the rate we’re headed, I don’t think they’re going to be satisfied with anything. Some people will realize it was very well written and well executed. But a large part will just be mad it’s over, which is fair.” His remarks shine light on the often dramatic and fervent nature of fandoms, especially as beloved series come to their end.
While the final season keeps viewers buzzing, it has also opened discussions around the show's controversial final chapter without its lead actor. Viewers have seen the narrative shift and adapt, and many are left pondering how the absence of Costner's character, who played such a central role, will affect the show’s closing arcs.
Grimes noted how show creator Taylor Sheridan intentionally kept the plot's conclusion under wraps from the cast. Sheridan wanted the performances to feel genuine, indicating he believed knowing the ending could influence their acting. Grimes explained, “Taylor told me, ‘I know how the show ends, but I don’t want you to know how it ends.’” This strategy allowed Grimes and his fellow actors to stay immersed in their roles, even as the climax loomed near. Yet, there's always the temptation to peek at what's behind the curtain. Grimes shared his moment of memory lapse when he was eager to reconnect with Kayce’s essence before filming the final scenes. “I thought, ‘If I just read the last one, I bet it would help.’ So, I read it, and it really got me.”
For those wondering about future adventures tied to Yellowstone, there seems to be no shortage of ideas brewing among the cast and crew. With the anticipation growing daily, Grimes expressed longing for finishing the storyline faithfully, wanting to portray the character’s growth adequately. He remarked on how he has felt both the thrill and responsibility of bringing Kayce Dutton to life.
Beyond just wrapping up Yellowstone, fans are facing the bittersweet reality of saying goodbye to characters they've come to love over the years. Themes of family, loyalty, and conflict have been at the series' core and have struck deep chords with viewers. The anticipation and speculation over how they will conclude these threads will persist until the final moments flicker across the screen.
Overall, as the countdown to the grand finale continues, the industry watches closely to see how these shifts will influence the storytelling and what lasting legacy Yellowstone will leave behind. With its impending end, this powerhouse of drama has sparked conversations about its influence and what might sprout next in the Yellowstone franchise.
The final moments of the series promise to be charged, filled with emotional nuance and character complexity. Viewers will be holding their breaths as they await the fate of their favorite characters and the world they inhabit, particularly with the formidable absence of Kevin Costner looming heavily overhead. Tune in on December 15 to see how it all plays out.
