Luke Grimes Opens Up About Emotional Turn in 'Marshals' Premiere
Luke Grimes, known for his role as Kayce Dutton in the hit series Yellowstone, has shared his candid thoughts on the dramatic shift in the new spinoff Marshals. In a recent interview, the 42-year-old actor revealed his initial heartbreak over the death of his on-screen wife, Monica, played by Kelsey Asbille, which serves as a pivotal plot point in the premiere episode.
A Shocking Revelation Sets the Stage
When Grimes was first approached about continuing Kayce's story in Marshals, now streaming on Paramount+, he was skeptical. "I thought the way that Taylor wrote the end for him in Yellowstone was perfect. He rode off into the sunset, and it was really beautiful," Grimes explained. However, the creators envisioned a procedural format, thrusting Kayce into a new role as a single father and U.S. Marshal after Monica's death from cancer.
"When I heard that idea, I was a little broken-hearted because I love Kelsey and I loved working with her. To this day, she's the best actor I've ever worked with," Grimes admitted. "But I realized that this is a motor now for Kayce to make some big changes and try some new things."
Exploring Kayce's Untapped Backstory
The spinoff allows for a deeper exploration of Kayce's past as a Navy SEAL, a facet largely untouched in Yellowstone. Grimes expressed enthusiasm for this development, noting, "As I was thinking about this show, I realized there's a gold mine there in his backstory. There's so much that people didn't get to see, and it's created a sort-of action show, which is really fun."
In Marshals, Kayce joins an elite unit led by his friend Pete Calvin, portrayed by Logan Marshall-Green, alongside a cast including Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos, and Tatanka Means. Returning Yellowstone veterans Mo Brings Plenty and Gil Birmingham also feature, bridging the two series.
Grimes on Taylor Sheridan's Expanding Universe
Reflecting on the broader Yellowstone universe created by Taylor Sheridan, Grimes praised the showrunner's unique voice. "I just think Taylor has a way and worldview about him that's different from what we're used to seeing. Sometimes, Hollywood is an industry where you get a lot of the same," he said. Grimes believes Sheridan's commitment to quality over quantity ensures the franchise's longevity, despite its expansion into multiple spinoffs like 1883 and 1923.
Regarding the original series' conclusion, Grimes offered his approval: "I thought Taylor landed the plane perfectly. Especially in the face of all the unexpected things that continued to unfold. Given all that, it couldn't have been more perfect."
Looking Ahead to 'Marshals' Future
When asked about his hopes for Marshals, Grimes humorously noted that this marks his eighth year portraying Kayce. "If there's one guy I'd like to do it with, it's Kayce Dutton," he said, indicating openness to multiple seasons. The show aims to attract both longtime Yellowstone fans and new viewers, with Grimes emphasizing its standalone appeal: "Our goal is whether you watched Yellowstone or not, you can start with this and you'll be just fine."
In lighter moments, Grimes shared a behind-the-scenes tip about keeping his cowboy hat on during rides—"make sure it's all the way down on your head"—and revealed his go-to for unwinding is reality TV, currently Beast Games, to avoid overanalyzing acting performances.
Marshals airs Sundays on CBS and streams Mondays on Paramount+, promising a fresh take on the beloved character while honoring his roots in the Dutton family saga.
