Kevin Costner's "Yellowstone" exit eases season 5 filming
Luke Grimes, the star of the series, reveals that Kevin Costner's absence from the "Yellowstone" set made the fifth season the easiest to film.
Although fans of "Yellowstone" might have missed Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, who plays the series' patriarch's son, Kayce, managed well without him. The actor shared his thoughts about the two-time Oscar winner and his experiences from filming the fifth and final season. The episode "Life Is a Promise" was aired on 15th December in the USA.
– I hope everyone will see that it was the right moment – Grimes said in an interview with "Esquire". – Honestly, Kevin's absence meant that some of the conflict disappeared. Of course, it wasn't fun, but it was the easiest season we filmed.
Costner did not return to "Yellowstone" for the final episodes due to scheduling conflicts related to his film "Horizon," which he is producing, co-writing, directing, and starring in.
New opportunities for the character Kayce Dutton
Costner's absence allowed the character played by Grimes, Kayce Dutton, to develop on screen. – It was a joke on set that the dumb cowboy figured it out – Grimes said after the penultimate episode. – Kayce is like a silent killer, and it’s great when he can use that energy for something good. He's a character influenced by his father, preferring to remain unnoticed rather than doing what his father wanted. Now he can prove himself and figure everything out – Grimes added. – It was a nice reward for me.
Kevin Costner's departure from the "Yellowstone" series affected the nature of the production, surprising many fans. Although the actor opted out of further participation, director Christina Voros indicated that his character, John Dutton, might still play a key role in the plot. The series' return is awaited due to the family conflict among the Dutton children, a central point of the final episodes.
Poorly received series finale
In the final part of the fifth season of Yellowstone, without Kevin Costner's presence, the main plot becomes the confrontation of John Dutton's children. After his death, caused by intrigue and murder, Beth and Jamie must face their father's legacy.
The "Yellowstone" series focuses on the struggles of the Dutton family with external enemies, including developers and the native inhabitants of the reservation. From episode to episode, viewers of the series are increasingly taken aback by the creators' increasingly absurd script decisions.
