Yellowstone cast reacts to Kevin Costner’s absence in final season
Sign Up For Free Real-Time News Alerts
Subscribe For Free Breaking News Emails
Join Our Free Breaking News Email List!
I would like to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
The Yellowstone cast is discussing Kevin Costner's absence in the second half of the series' final season.
The popular drama on Paramount Plus is back this Sunday, November 10, with its ninth episode of the fifth season.
The main actor, Costner, who portrayed ranch owner John Dutton, won't be in the last six episodes of the series. He left the show in June because of scheduling issues. His exit followed rumors of a rift between him and the show's creator, Taylor Sheridan.
During the premiere of season five, part two in New York this week, Luke Grimes, who portrays Kayce Dutton, shared his thoughts: “It’s tough to picture the series continuing without him. However, that was the direction the show was always taking. The question is, can these kids manage on their own without him?”
He went on to explain, "We were all aware that it would eventually reach that point; we just weren’t sure how or when it would happen. Clearly, it turned out to be different from our expectations. However, it definitely escalated the intensity of the show to a whole new level, and now everything begins to fall apart."
The 40-year-old expressed that he felt "somewhat let down" because the other cast members didn't know that Costner wouldn't be coming back to finish the fifth season.
"I suppose I felt a bit let down that we weren't informed he wouldn't be returning," he started. "It seems like we could have had a more meaningful farewell if we had handled it differently. Honestly, it caught us off guard more than anything."
"But as I mentioned, that's not really my area of responsibility. Our role is simply to arrive, follow the script, and perform to the best of our skills," Grimes explained.
At the same time, Wes Bentley, who portrays Jamie Dutton, expressed: “We really miss him. He’s a significant part of the series and a fantastic presence to have with us.”
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
This offer is for new subscribers only. After a free trial period, the cost will be £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew until you decide to cancel it.
Enjoy a complimentary 7-day trial of Apple TV+.
For new subscribers exclusively. After a free trial period, the cost is £8.99 per month. The plan will automatically renew unless you decide to cancel it.
In June, Costner expressed his feelings to People, stating that he was "let down" by the way the producers managed the rumors regarding his departure.
"I really enjoyed the show. I found the characters appealing and the theme interesting. I'm crazy about that universe," he expressed back then.
In an interview with The Independent in April, Grimes expressed her feelings about Costner leaving the show, saying, “It’s unfortunate if his departure affected how the series was supposed to progress. I understand that he became occupied with his films that are really important to him, like his upcoming Horizon: An American Saga. At some point, you have to prioritize what matters to you; you have to follow your passions.”
Before the release of episode nine, Yellowstone director Christina Voros stated that Costner would still have an "essential" part in the conclusion of the series, even though he is leaving.
"John Dutton remains a key character," she shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "His role is essential. I believe that giving away any additional details might spoil the effort that went into editing the scripts!"
“I believe that the reason so many are asking questions like ‘Is he there or not? Where is he?’ is that he is a key figure in the narrative. His character is crucial to the storyline.”
Although Yellowstone is winding down, Sheridan's journey in Montana is far from over. He recently revealed that Michelle Pfeiffer will star in the upcoming sequel series, The Madison. This new show will center on a family from New York who moves to the Madison River valley in central Montana.
You can catch Yellowstone every Sunday at 8 PM ET on Paramount Plus.
