Yellowstone has captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of the Dutton family and their Montana ranch. Central to the series is John Dutton, the patriarch, and as the seasons unfold, viewers have become increasingly intrigued by his past. This has led to a burning question among fans: who plays the younger version of John Dutton in Yellowstone? The answer is Josh Lucas, a seasoned actor known for roles in films like Sweet Home Alabama and A Beautiful Mind. Lucas was cast long before Yellowstone became the phenomenon it is today, and his journey with the show has been a patient and fascinating one, mirroring the slow-burn storytelling that defines the series itself.
The Long Game: Josh Lucas’s Casting as Young John Dutton
In an exclusive interview, Josh Lucas revealed the surprising timeline of his involvement with Yellowstone. He was approached by the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, even before the first episode aired. Sheridan, known for his cinematic vision and detailed storytelling, had a clear idea for John Dutton’s character arc, drawing inspiration from iconic cinematic portrayals of legacy and family like The Godfather.
Lucas recounted his initial conversations with Sheridan, highlighting the director’s vision of casting actors who capture the essence of a character across different ages, rather than simply seeking look-alikes, referencing the Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro casting in The Godfather Part II. Interestingly, Lucas initially expressed interest in playing Rip Wheeler, a role that ultimately went to Cole Hauser. However, Sheridan had other plans, envisioning Lucas as the younger John Dutton, a role that would become more significant as Yellowstone delved deeper into the Dutton family history.
Josh Lucas in Yellowstone scenes as young John Dutton, portraying the character's younger years with intensity and depth.
Lucas’s first appearances in Yellowstone were brief, early in the series. He understood from early discussions with Sheridan that his role as young John Dutton was a long-term investment. Sheridan explicitly told Lucas that the fifth season would be pivotal for exploring young John’s backstory, hinting at substantial flashback sequences that would finally unravel the mysteries of Dutton’s past. At the time, with television shows rarely extending beyond a couple of seasons, Lucas admitted to being skeptical of Sheridan’s long-term vision. The immense success of Yellowstone, however, proved Sheridan’s foresight to be remarkably accurate.
From Harlem to the Ranch: Trusting Taylor Sheridan’s Vision
The commitment to a role that would only fully materialize years later required significant trust in Taylor Sheridan’s storytelling. Lucas shared a vivid memory of a late-night phone call with Sheridan, taking place while Lucas was in his son’s room in Harlem, New York City. During this call, Sheridan reiterated his plan for season five to be the season where young John Dutton would become prominent. Despite his initial doubts about the longevity of television series, Lucas was intrigued by Sheridan’s passion and clarity of vision.
Sheridan’s detailed planning extended beyond character arcs. Lucas recounted an anecdote about Sheridan’s early location scouting at the Dutton Ranch. Even in the initial stages, Sheridan reportedly pointed out specific locations and predicted events that would unfold in different seasons, including the placement of the family graveyard, demonstrating a remarkable level of pre-planning for the entire series narrative.
Josh Lucas in Yellowstone scenes as young John Dutton, portraying the character's younger years with intensity and depth.
As Yellowstone’s popularity exploded, Lucas confessed to experiencing a sense of longing to be more involved, not driven by the show’s success, but by his admiration for Sheridan’s writing. He had been a fan of Sheridan’s previous works, Wind River, Sicario, and Hell or High Water, recognizing a unique talent and storytelling approach. This deep respect for Sheridan’s artistry solidified Lucas’s patience and enthusiasm for his role as young John Dutton, even during the years of waiting for his character to take center stage.
Stepping into the Cowboy Boots: Preparing to be Young John Dutton
When the time came for young John Dutton’s story to be told, Josh Lucas embraced the challenge of portraying a younger version of this complex character. While Lucas had some prior riding experience, he acknowledged the demanding level of horsemanship required for Yellowstone, where authenticity is paramount. Taylor Sheridan is known for his commitment to realism, pushing his actors to embody the cowboy lifestyle convincingly.
Lucas described the unique experience of being trained for the World Cutting Championship by Yellowstone’s wranglers and cattlemen. Cutting, a competitive equestrian event involving separating cattle from a herd, is something that deeply fascinates Sheridan and is integrated into the authentic ranching world depicted in Yellowstone. Lucas’s participation in this championship, where he impressively secured second place, underscores his dedication to embodying the physicality and skill set of a Montana rancher like John Dutton. He drew parallels to Kevin Costner’s dedication to horsemanship in Dances With Wolves, emphasizing the need for genuine ability to portray such roles convincingly.
Josh Lucas in Yellowstone scenes as young John Dutton, portraying the character's younger years with intensity and depth.
In approaching the character of young John Dutton, Lucas sought to understand the formative experiences that shaped the man viewers know in the present timeline. He engaged in in-depth conversations with Sheridan, exploring the emotional landscape of young John. Key questions revolved around John’s temperament in his younger years – was he angrier, darker, or more isolated? The death of John’s wife is portrayed as a pivotal, shattering event for the Dutton family, profoundly impacting each of the children and setting them on their individual, often troubled, paths. Lucas inquired about young John’s potential loneliness, but Sheridan’s response, “he’s too busy to be lonely,” provided a crucial insight into the driven and resilient nature of John Dutton, even in his youth.
The Future of Young John Dutton and Yellowstone’s Legacy
As Yellowstone progresses, the extent of young John Dutton’s future appearances remains uncertain. Josh Lucas himself admitted that he is unsure how much more of young John’s story will be revealed beyond the initial flashback episodes. He emphasized Taylor Sheridan’s singular vision and writing process, describing it as organic and driven by Sheridan’s deep understanding of the characters and their world. Sheridan has expressed his intention to further explore the gaps in John Dutton’s history, explaining the motivations and experiences that have shaped him into the man he is.
Yellowstone’s success has solidified its place as a modern television phenomenon, and the exploration of John Dutton’s past, brought to life by Josh Lucas, adds layers of depth and complexity to the overarching narrative. Lucas’s portrayal provides viewers with a crucial understanding of the Dutton family’s roots and the forces that have shaped their destiny. While the future of young John Dutton on Yellowstone is unwritten, Josh Lucas’s contribution to the series has been significant, enriching the Dutton family saga and deepening the connection between the audience and the iconic patriarch of Yellowstone Ranch.
