Yellowstone’s Luke Grimes reveals he’s ‘never’ spoken to Kevin Costner since shock exit
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Yellowstone star Luke Grimes has revealed he hasn’t spoken with on-screen dad Kevin Costner since the Oscar winner’s shock departure from the series two years ago.
“I have never spoken to Kevin since we stopped working together,” Grimes, 42, told USA Today on Tuesday before he explained why.
Luke Grimes is currently reprising his role as Kayce Dutton in season two of Marhals. Stan
“Not for any other reason other than we are both just busy guys and life moves on.”
Costner, 71, played John Dutton in the hit drama before his character was dramatically killed off during the premiere of the final season in 2024.
Yet Grimes – who reprises his role as son Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone spinoff Marshals – said it “would be cool” to have Costner return to the franchise.
Following John Dutton’s death, Grimes said flashback scene could work with Costner, but he noted to the outlet: “I doubt that will happen at this point.”
The actor and country singer said it would make more sense if his on-screen wife Kelsey Asbille returned in a flashback as Monica Dutton.
“But we’ll see,” he added.
Costner took to Instagram in June 2024 to announce his departure from Yellowstone, much to the shock of fans.
The confirmation came after months of speculation about the future of his role.
Costner still holds appreciation for his time on Yellowstone, saying he “loves” the show. Jesse Grant/Getty Images for The Art of Elysium
Costner shut down speculation that he was leaving the series due to behind-the-scenes tensions and to pursue his own Western project, Horizon: An American Saga, at the time.
In July 2026, Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan clarified that the Bodyguard actor was only ever meant to be in the show’s first three seasons.
Taylor Sheridan, pictured with Kelly Reilly and Kevin Costner, said Costner stayed on longer than intended. Presley Ann
During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast Sheridan, 56, said the network was “so scared of not having Kevin be part of it, even though Kevin was ready” because “the show was such a behemoth”.
“He had other things he wanted to do,” Sheridan added. “But he stayed on for another two seasons.”
