Yellowstone fans were undoubtedly shocked by the dramatic exit of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. Now, Luke Grimes, who stars as Kayce Dutton, John’s son, has shed light on the original intentions for Costner’s character, revealing that Dutton’s departure was always part of the plan, albeit potentially sooner than viewers witnessed.
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at his Grand Ole Opry debut for his self-titled 2024 album, Grimes addressed the fan reactions to John Dutton’s death. He acknowledged the “negative reactions” and feelings of being “cheated” among viewers following the episode where Dutton was found dead. However, Grimes offered a different perspective on the unfolding drama.
“I think we were all lucky to have Kevin on the show as long as we did,” Grimes stated, emphasizing Costner’s significant contribution to Yellowstone. He further explained that the plan was always for the Dutton patriarch to “go away” to propel the narrative forward. According to Grimes, John Dutton’s departure was designed to “really ramp up” the story, posing the central question: “You lose a patriarch of the family. Can the kids do it on their own?” This narrative shift was intended to explore the resilience and future of the Dutton family in the face of immense loss.
Grimes drew parallels between John Dutton’s storyline and iconic narratives of familial power and succession, referencing classics such as King Lear, The Godfather, and Succession. These comparisons highlight the timeless dramatic themes of legacy, power struggles, and the impact of a patriarch’s absence.
John Dutton news: Luke Grimes at a Yellowstone event, reflecting on the character's storyline.
Interestingly, Grimes revealed a surprising detail about the original timeline for John Dutton’s exit. “I think originally he was supposed to die much earlier. So, in a way, they got way more of John Dutton than they were going to originally get,” he shared. This revelation might offer some solace to fans who are grappling with the loss of Costner’s character, suggesting that his presence was extended beyond the initial narrative arc.
Grimes also touched upon the abrupt and shocking nature of John Dutton’s death, linking it to the unpredictable realities of life. “If it happened in such a shocking, quick way, that’s how life works, right? I mean, when you lose people, it’s sometimes not how you planned and not when you think it’s going to be,” he reflected. This perspective adds a layer of realism to the dramatic event within the series, mirroring the often-unforeseen nature of loss in real life.
The absence of Kevin Costner on set was palpable, as Grimes noted in a separate interview, describing it as “different” without his “big presence.” Costner himself portrayed John Dutton for five seasons, becoming a central figure in Yellowstone since its debut in 2018. His departure stemmed from creative differences, as he mentioned “[the scripts weren’t there]” in a previous interview with PEOPLE.
John Dutton news and Yellowstone cast: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, and Cole Hauser in a scene from the series.
While Yellowstone continues its final episodes, Luke Grimes is also venturing into a new chapter with his country music career. He expressed his lifelong connection to music, particularly country music, which was a significant part of his upbringing. Grimes’s debut album and Grand Ole Opry performance mark a significant personal and professional milestone, showcasing his multifaceted talents beyond acting.
In conclusion, the news of John Dutton’s planned departure, as revealed by Luke Grimes, provides context to a pivotal moment in Yellowstone. While fan reactions are understandable, Grimes’s insights suggest that this dramatic turn was always intended to drive the narrative forward and explore the Dutton family’s future in a compelling new direction. As Yellowstone progresses towards its conclusion, the legacy of John Dutton and the resilience of his family remain central themes, ensuring the series continues to captivate its audience.
