Yellowstone’s Luke Grimes says things were ‘different’ without Kevin Costner

Yellowstone‘s Luke Grimes shares how much the main star’s departure affected him Kevin Costner was on the remaining cast.

Grimes, 40, said Costner’s departure after nearly eight years “definitely felt different” and had a sense of “finality.” interview with People Published Thursday, November 7th.

“The fact that he didn’t come back was like, ‘OK, we’re going to have to land this plane now for real,'” Grimes said. “I think the departure of the patriarch has always been part of the story. That was always what this was all about: what are these kids doing? What does this family do when their stone disappears?”

Grimes also admitted his absence was very noticeable as the remaining cast filmed the show’s finale.

“He’s very famous, man, the guy’s an icon,” Grimes said. “So not having him around on set felt a little different. But, as always, I mean we are a big family now. It was just as special and hopefully the fans can relate to the story just as much… I think they can.”

Paramount Network announced in May 2023 that Yellowstone will conclude with Season 5B, which kicks off on Friday, November 10, after a delay due to the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.

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

“I just want to reach out to you and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon, doing everything that needed to be done, and thinking about Yellowstonethat favorite show that I love and I know you love,” Costner, 69, said in a video posted via X.

He continued: “I just realized that I won’t be able to continue with Season 5B or in the future. This was what really changed me. I liked it. And I know you liked it. I just wanted to let you know that I will not be returning. I love the relationship we’ve been able to develop, see you at the movies.”

Costner also weighed in on his decision to leave the long-running series that same month in an interview with the publication Hollywood Reporter.

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

The actor added: “I gave this film five seasons. I was very happy to do it. And I don’t need drama. So let’s just take the drama away, let’s take the guesswork (away). The fans have been too kind to me. And my responsibility is to continue to do things that mean something to them.”