AceShowbiz - Luke Grimes, who portrayed Kayce Dutton on the hit Paramount Network series "Yellowstone", has revealed that he hasn't spoken to former co-star Kevin Costner since Costner's surprising exit from the show.

Despite not having any hard feelings, Grimes attributes their lack of contact to Costner's "big deal" status. "He can reach out to me if he wants to," said Grimes.

Reflecting on Costner's unexpected departure, Grimes compared it to a personal loss, noting that "these things happen fast, and they're not predictable." He added that Costner's exit "helped ramp the show up into a boil."

Costner confirmed his departure from "Yellowstone" in June 2024, following frictions with creator Taylor Sheridan due to scheduling conflicts. The season 5B premiere featured the death of his character, John Dutton, in a murder-for-hire plot.

Speaking ahead of the show's finale, Grimes acknowledged the show's commitment to taking risks, particularly with its on-screen deaths. He also praised the character of Kayce Dutton, which he portrayed throughout the series.

"The great thing about Kayce is he isn't really into that old-school masculinity. He's the vulnerable one," said Grimes. "He goes to war, but he's not a war hero - it ruins his life, and he comes back a completely different person, and he deals with this PTSD."

Regarding Costner's exit, Grimes said "it was time" for the character to leave and with Costner's departure, "some of the conflict was gone" as well. "Obviously, it didn't make it super fun to be around," he said of the on-set feud between Costner and Sheridan. "Not pointing any fingers, but it was actually the easiest season we've filmed."

With Costner's departure, Grimes and other cast members have prepared to say goodbye to their characters and wrap up the iconic Western drama.