Can we ever get over the wild & windswept world of Yellowstone, where the ten-gallon hats brim with as much drama as the Big Sky country itself? Is there a soul under those wide-open heavens who hasn’t reckoned with the formidable specter of John Dutton? Kevin Costner embodies this Montana titan with a finesse that makes you question whether you’re witnessing a hero’s journey or a villain’s tale.
But as we all know, in addition to Costner, this cowboy hat has been donned by another actor as well. Josh Lucas, a steadfast fixture in the cinematic landscape with credits like Wonderland and the heart-racing Ford v Ferrari, also sought to lasso the role in Taylor Sheridan’s neo-western saga. After all, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to ride through the narrative pastures Sheridan has farmed?
Despite an audition that didn’t immediately rope in an offer, Lucas reverently became our persevering cowboy (young John Dutton), staking his claim with a deluge of sweet warnings via some notes to Sheridan.
Yellowstone: Josh Lucas Discussed His Admiration for Taylor Sheridan
Josh Lucas has certainly proven himself to be a dedicated and determined actor, especially when it comes to landing a role on the hit series Yellowstone. His persistence and admiration for Taylor Sheridan’s writing ultimately paid off, as he was able to secure a spot on the show as a younger version of Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton.
Making a name for yourself in Hollywood requires more than just talent. Sometimes, it’s about being willing to go the extra mile, or in Lucas’ case, to even stalk a director in order to get noticed. But hey, who can blame him? When you come across a script as irresistible as Yellowstone, it’s hard not to want to be a part of it.
That’s the effect Yellowstone has had on its audience, particularly when Lucas took to the screen as a sprightly young John Dutton, marking his presence heartily throughout several episodes. The actor, 53, who had to elbow his way through the throng to land his role, later admitted that the magnetic pull of Sheridan’s scriptwriting had him tracking the latter’s work. Lucas confessed in a behind-the-scenes interview:
I think Taylor Sheridan is the only director that I’ve ever stalked. I was obviously a big fan of his writing before Yellowstone and then when I read the script, I was just totally blown away by it. He didn’t cast me but I kind of let it go. At the same time, I sent him little notes and messages about why he made a mistake.
Ergo, Lucas’ journey to landing a role in Yellowstone is a perfect example of the power of perseverance and passion in the entertainment industry. Sometimes, it’s not enough to just sit back and wait for opportunities, rather, one has to take matters into their own hands, even if it means stalking the director.
Exploring the Restrictions Between Josh Lucas and Kevin Costner
Josh Lucas consciously steered clear of mimicking Kevin Costner’s performance, despite portraying the same role.
Taylor Sheridan’s decision to keep Costner away from the set during the filming of flashback scenes is more than just a logistical move; it was a masterstroke in maintaining the integrity of the performances. Lucas told Collider:
Luckily, [Costner’s] not there when I’m shooting. We’re almost kept separate on purpose.
This separation allowed Lucas the freedom to interpret the role without the looming shadow of Costner’s portrayal. In discussing his approach with Sheridan, Lucas drew inspiration from the iconic film The Godfather. Just as Robert De Niro channeled the essence of Marlon Brando’s character without attempting to replicate him, Lucas aimed to capture the spirit of John Dutton without falling into the trap of imitation.
To quote Lucas:
Taylor and I talked about the idea of ‘The Godfather.’ When [Robert] De Niro was playing Brando, he wasn’t attempting to look or act like Marlon Brando. He was attempting to play the character. That’s what we talked about.
And, the series’s success lies in its ability to blend the sweeping scope of Westerns with the intricate storytelling of family sagas.
It’s a high-stakes game of power, loyalty, and survival, where every character is a cog in Sheridan’s grand design. Yellowstone not only pays homage to the greats of the past but also carves out its own legendary status in the annals of television history!
Yellowstone Season 5’s second part will be available on November 10, 2024.
Yellowstone is available on Peacock Premium.
