Now, with the upcoming series Marshals moving forward, the actor is opening up about why he was hesitant to continue Kayce’s story.
The Weight of Kayce Dutton
From the beginning, Kayce was one of the most emotionally layered characters in Yellowstone. Unlike his siblings, Kayce often struggled most visibly with the moral cost of the Dutton family’s power. His journey involved violence, spiritual searching, family strain, and repeated attempts to step away from the chaos surrounding the Yellowstone ranch.
For Grimes, that internal conflict was what made the role compelling — but also exhausting.
After years of portraying Kayce’s trauma and turmoil, the actor reportedly felt that the character had reached a natural conclusion. By the end of Yellowstone’s run, Kayce had made hard choices about his future, his marriage, and his relationship to the land. Reopening that arc wasn’t something Grimes took lightly.
Concern About “Rehashing” the Story
One of the main reasons for Grimes’ hesitation was creative integrity. According to sources close to production, he was wary of revisiting old storylines or undoing emotional growth for the sake of extending the franchise.
Spinoffs can sometimes feel like extensions driven more by popularity than purpose. Grimes reportedly wanted to ensure that if Kayce returned, it would be in a way that felt organic and necessary — not repetitive.
The idea behind Marshals helped ease some of those concerns. Rather than placing Kayce back in the center of ranch politics, the new series is expected to follow him in a law enforcement capacity, leaning into his military background and skill set. That shift offers a different arena for the character, potentially allowing for fresh storytelling while honoring what audiences already know about him.
Yellowstone: Luke Grimes on Whether Kayce and Monica Will Return to the Ranch
Stepping Into a New Chapter
Another factor in Grimes’ hesitation was personal. Long-running television roles can define an actor in the public eye, and stepping into a spinoff risks further cementing that identity. After years tied to the Dutton family saga, Grimes may have considered whether it was time to explore entirely new roles.
Still, the opportunity to evolve Kayce rather than simply repeat him appears to have made the difference. Moving into a U.S. Marshal-style storyline gives the character independence from the ranch and opens the door to a more procedural, action-driven format.
A Calculated Return
Ultimately, Grimes’ hesitation wasn’t about distancing himself from Yellowstone — it was about protecting the character’s legacy. Kayce Dutton resonated with fans because of his vulnerability and internal struggle. Returning without a meaningful new direction could have diluted that impact.
With Marshals, the promise is evolution rather than repetition. If the series succeeds, it won’t just extend the Yellowstone universe — it will redefine one of its most beloved characters in a way that feels earned.
For Luke Grimes, that was worth the pause.