Luke Grimes Stated He Stopped Speaking to Kevin Costner
The actors ended communication after their work on the drama series Yellowstone finished.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Rodeo
Luke Grimes revealed in December 2024 that he has not spoken to Kevin Costner since their time working together on the show concluded. The two actors maintained a distance throughout their professional collaboration.
Why it matters
The dynamic between the show's leads reflects the reported behind-the-scenes tensions that emerged before Costner departed the production. Grimes noted he possesses Costner's phone number but does not believe it is his place to initiate contact.
Yellowstone spanned five seasons following its 2018 premiere. Luke Grimes, aged 42, and Kevin Costner, aged 71, were central figures during this production window.
The players
Luke Grimes
He is a 42-year-old actor known for his portrayal of Kayce Dutton on the Paramount network series Yellowstone.
Kevin Costner
He is a 71-year-old veteran actor who led the cast of Yellowstone before his departure from the production.
The details
Luke Grimes indicated that the final season was the easiest to film, though he expressed skepticism that Costner would return for the Marshals spinoff. The pair reportedly grew apart due to busy schedules and the production climate surrounding the series.
Timeline
Yellowstone premiered on Paramount in 2018.
Luke Grimes discussed his relationship with Costner in December 2024.
Luke Grimes spoke to USA Today on October 5, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The end of this professional relationship coincides with the conclusion of a five-season run that reshaped the modern Western genre. This departure from typical cast rapport highlights the challenges of maintaining continuity as major leads exit long-running franchises.
Viewers seeking clarity on the future of the franchise can infer from these comments that a return of Costner to the spinoff series is unlikely. This confirms a definitive end to the working partnership that defined the show's core narrative arc for five years.
The takeaway
Maintaining professional boundaries after the conclusion of high-pressure work environments is common among actors in long-running series. Readers should recognize that personal relationships in Hollywood often shift significantly once production schedules no longer force daily interaction.
Further reading
For more background on western-themed television and its cultural impact, explore our Rodeo section.
