Actor Hails Series Wrap as a ‘Very Profound’ Conclusion
Luke Grimes, known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit series Yellowstone, has expressed his deep satisfaction with the show’s forthcoming finale, calling it a “perfect ending” that pays tribute to creator Taylor Sheridan’s exceptional writing.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Grimes, 40, shared his enthusiasm for the final episode, which he only read the day before shooting commenced. “I couldn’t be happier. I think it’s a perfect ending for the show for every character,” he said. “It’s just a testament to what a good writer Taylor [Sheridan] is, and it’s a very, very profound, beautiful ending. I can’t wait to sit down and watch it one day.”
Yellowstone, which premiered in June 2018, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Dutton family’s tumultuous lives on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. The series has followed patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), his children Jamie (Wes Bentley), Beth (Kelly Reilly), and Kayce (Grimes) through five intense seasons. The first half of Season 5 concluded in January 2023, but production delays and ongoing SAG and WGA strikes pushed the release of the second half to November 2024.
Despite the extended hiatus, Reilly, 47, sees the delay as a positive development. “With the [SAG and WGA] strikes and with changes with certain things, everything got delayed longer than anybody wanted,” she told Entertainment Weekly. “In a weird way, having a little break meant that you’re coming back to something that you’re not taking for granted, and the scripts were so good. So good. We got to finish something rather than draw something out or prolong it.”
Reilly acknowledged the strong emotional connection fans have with the series. “Some of them are mad as hell that we’ve taken so long, but we’re like, ‘It’s not our fault! We wanted to go to work!’” she explained.
Grimes echoed her sentiments, expressing his eagerness to return to the show. “I’ve been itching to get back to the show, and I’m so glad it finally worked out, and we got to finish strong.”
The wrap of Yellowstone has been a bittersweet experience for the cast. Grimes described the feeling as akin to “summer camp blues,” noting the close bonds formed with his co-stars. “All my friends are going away, but I’ve made friends for life on this job. I’m glad we got to finish strong.”
Bentley, 46, also reflected on the series’ impact. “It’s one of the biggest things I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “It’s both very satisfying to play a character who’s given so much emotional work to do, but it also takes its toll. I’m excited to let him go, but I’m also sad to let him go.”
As Yellowstone concludes, the franchise will continue to expand with spinoff series, including Season 2 of 1923, the upcoming prequel 1944, and the sequel series The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer.