Yellowstone Star Says Kevin Costner Is Putting A Lot Of Pressure On The Show
Yellowstone star Josh Lucas says Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan put mutual pressure on each other to make the show as good as possible.
Yellowstone star Josh Lucas says Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan pressure each other to create an excellent show. The actor made the revelation to Us Weekly at PaleyFest. “There’s the responsibility of a huge movie star and a brilliant writer who are putting a lot of crazy love and pressure on each other and the show to make something people love,” he said.
“There’s a reason why people love it [Yellowstone],” Josh Lucas said. He added that there are a lot of elements from both creatives in John Dutton. “For me, it’s finding those connective tissues,” the 51-year-old explained. “The audience sees that, and it’d be very easy to dismiss anyone playing John Dutton except for Kevin Costner,” he continued.
Kevin Costner and Sheridan were supposed to attend the special screening and press panel alongside Yellowstone stars Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Luke Grimes, Wes Bentley, Kelsey Asbille, Gil Birmingham, and Jacki Weaver. But they were replaced at short notice with other cast members, with Josh Lucas, Wendy Moniz, Moses Brings Plenty, and Dawn Olivieri replacing them.
When asked if Yellowstone could survive without Kevin Costner, Josh Lucas answered definitively. “I do think so,” the actor told E! News. He explained his reasoning, saying the show shifts based on Taylor Sheridan’s energy, focus, and mind. “It’s a fever dream,” he said. He also noted that the series has grown in popularity. So viewers have come to love and admire every character.
The Yellowstone star was also excited about the Matthew McConaughey-led spin-off series, previously confirmed by Paramount boss Chris McCarthy. Josh Lucas said he’s fascinated to see how Taylor Sheridan tells that story since most of his ideas are based on events from his life. The newly confirmed series will continue regardless of whether Kevin Costner returns.
The uncertainty surrounding new seasons of Yellowstone came after Kevin Costner’s busy schedule conflicted with the series. He allegedly wanted the eight remaining episodes of season five to be filmed in seven days so he could focus on other projects. But executives at the Paramount Network denied the request. The studio released a statement addressing the situation, saying there was nothing to report.
Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson in 2018, Yellowstone focuses on the lives of the ranch-owning Dutton family. The story also explores ongoing conflicts with national parks, land developers, and Native reservations. Along with Josh Lucas and Kevin Costner, the series stars Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, and Gil Birmingham.
Due to the success of the flagship series, Taylor Sheridan created Yellowstone 1883. The story followed Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as the original Duttons who settled in Wyoming after their daughter tragically died. Another spin-off titled 1923 was released shortly after. Starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, the story sees the Duttons overcome challenges in the early 20th century.
When Yellowstone returns for the second half of season five, the story will see John Dutton (Kevin Costner) deal with the ranch costing him his legacy while a bacterial disease threatens to wipe out his cattle. He decides to send the herd to Texas, where Beth and Rip could reunite with Jimmy. However, leasing the land could potentially bankrupt the family.
The new season of Yellowstone will be back later this year.
