Why Yellowstone Stars Josh Lucas And Kevin Costner Had To Be Kept Apart On Set

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As a devoted fan of the gripping series “Yellowstone,” I can confidently say that John Dutton calls the shots, whether portrayed by the talented Kevin Costner in the main storyline or Josh Lucas during the show’s intriguing flashbacks. This powerful rancher sets the rules and even after his untimely demise, his influence lingers ominously as a pivotal factor shaping the controversial events of the final episode. However, an interesting behind-the-scenes rule was in place on the “Yellowstone” set: Costner and Lucas were never to appear on the Dutton Ranch simultaneously. This wasn’t merely due to their characters hailing from different timeframes, but there was a deeper, unspoken understanding that maintained the integrity of each actor’s portrayal of the Montana cattle baron.

In a 2021 Collider interview, Lucas spoke frankly about his experience on the neo-Western series. He stated that playing an iconic character, like Kevin Costner, is more challenging when the person portraying the role is another actor. However, he noted that working with Taylor Sheridan, the creator of “Yellowstone,” was a unique situation because it wasn’t just another actor. Instead, it was a special opportunity for him.

In a conversation about ‘The Godfather’, Taylor and I discussed how Robert De Niro, while portraying Brando, wasn’t aiming to resemble or emulate Marlon Brando. This concept was crucial during filming as Costner and Lucas were kept apart to maintain the authenticity of the John Dutton character over time. Sheridan requested that Lucas didn’t imitate Costner but instead played his role exactly as it was written on the script.

Josh Lucas got the short end of the stick in Yellowstone Season 5

Initially, Josh Lucas played a prominent role as John Dutton in the TV series “Yellowstone”. The first season had three episodes with flashbacks to the 1990s, showcasing John raising his children to inherit the Dutton Ranch one day. However, as the series advanced, Lucas’ presence changed significantly. He appeared only once in Season 2, and was absent from Seasons 3 and 4 entirely. His character returned strongly in Season 5 Part 1, featuring in five more episodes during the final season. Unfortunately, when Kevin Costner’s contemporary John Dutton character was written off, Lucas’ role was minimized.

In an interview with Deadline, Lucas remembers Taylor Sheridan saying that the fifth season would be where he’d join the show. At the time, Sheridan wasn’t certain if they’d delve into flashbacks for an entire season or how they’d fit into the story, but he always intended to portray John Dutton’s past influencing his present. However, Costner’s abrupt departure from “Yellowstone” left the show in a bit of disarray, and any plans Sheridan had for expanding Lucas’ role didn’t come to fruition. It was unfortunate because Season 5 Part 2 could have used flashbacks showing a younger John Dutton alongside the sorrow felt by his children. Regrettably, Sheridan chose not to take that approach.

We need a John Dutton prequel

Initially, Josh Lucas may have aspired to portray Rip, a character brilliantly brought to life by Cole Hauser; however, we cannot overlook how fitting it is for Lucas to play the younger John Dutton. There’s a distinct intensity in the younger John that contrasts with Kevin Costner’s portrayal of the older version. This difference arises because Lucas’ character is still in the prime of his life, while Costner’s is approaching its end. However, for John Dutton, legacy and potential are paramount, a theme that deserves more exploration within the “Yellowstone” franchise.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but imagine a prequel series centered around young John Dutton, a character that left us wanting more after his nine brief stints on the original show. In an interview with Deadline, the creators mentioned their goal was to delve deeper into who John Dutton is and why he makes the decisions he does. While the flashbacks in “Yellowstone” provided some insight, they didn’t quite tell the full story. It’s clear that Kevin Costner’s early departure played a role in this incompleteness.

Given that point, it seems fitting for Sheridan to continue in a similar vein and develop a prequel or miniseries, considering the success of spin-offs like “1883” and “1923” under the “Yellowstone” banner. With more prequels and spin-offs in production, there are numerous untold stories within the franchise. Although John Dutton may have been laid to rest, Lucas’ portrayal continues to thrive, offering ample opportunities to delve into the past of the Yellowstone universe.

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2025-05-24 19:30