‘Yellowstone’s’ Luke Grimes Says It Was ‘Different’ Without Kevin Costner

Yellowstone’s Luke Grimes is sharing just how much of an impact the exit of lead star Kevin Costner has had on the remaining cast.

Grimes, 40, said Costner’s departure after nearly eight years “definitely felt different” and had a sense of “finality to it” in an interview with People published on Thursday, November 7.

“Him not coming back felt like, ‘Okay, we’re going to have to land this plane now for real,’” Grimes said. “I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. That’s always where it was headed is like, what do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?”

Grimes also admitted his absence was very noticeable as the remaining cast filmed the final installment of the show.

Related: ‘Yellowstone’ Officially Ending With Season 5, New Sequel Ordered

End of an era. Yellowstone will officially come to a close after its fifth season, but a new series has been ordered to continue the story. News broke on Friday, May 5, that the Paramount hit will return in November to air its final episodes. An untitled sequel is set to debut one month later. […]

“He’s a big presence, man, guy’s an icon,” Grimes said. “So not having him around to set felt a little different. But as always, I mean, we’re a big family now. It was just as special and hopefully, the fans will be able to connect with the story just as much … I think they will be able to.”

Paramount Network announced in May 2023 that Yellowstone would end with season 5B, which kicks off on Friday, November 10 after being delayed by the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

Taking to social media, Costner confirmed in June 2023 that he would not be returning to the series.

“I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all of the things that’s required, and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love and I know you love,” Costner, 69, said in a video shared via X.

He continued, “I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue season 5B or into the future. It was something that really changed me. I loved it. And I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning. I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, and I’ll see you at the movies.”

Costner further shared insight on his decision to leave the long-running series that same month in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

“It wasn’t tough,” he said.“It was a necessary decision to say, ‘Hey, OK, I don’t want to really talk about this anymore. It’s time to move on.’”

The actor added, “I gave this thing five seasons. I was really happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So, let’s just take that drama away, let’s take the guessing [away]. The fans have been way too good to me. And my obligation is to go on and continue to make things that mean something to them.”