Luke Grimes: A New Chapter for Kayce Dutton in ‘Marshals’

Luke Grimes initially believed he’d bid farewell to the stoic Kayce Dutton. However, the world of “Yellowstone” had other plans. In the show’s fifth and final season (2024), Dutton seemingly found peace, building a new life ranching with his family. “I thought, ‘This is it,’” Grimes reflects. “I love the way this ends for him. He kind of got what he always wanted, which is just a simple life.”

But for fans, the story wasn’t over. Grimes reprises his role in the prime-time spinoff “Marshals,” premiering Sunday on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. Showrunner Spencer Hudnut masterfully transitions Dutton from a neo-Western family drama to a Western law enforcement procedural, equipping him with a badge and placing him within a team of U.S. Marshals in Montana.

A Natural Evolution for Dutton

“We wanted to make it feel organic and we wanted there to be enough of the sort of ethos of ‘Yellowstone’ in there that the original fans could have something to hold on to getting into the show, but then have it have somewhere to go that felt like its own thing,” explains Grimes. The pilot introduces Dutton to an old comrade from his Navy SEAL days, who recruits him into their four-person Marshal team. “May look like God’s country but the devil’s running free out here,” his friend warns. “I’m guessing you got your own demons to conquer, and I could sure use another door-kicker.”

“Marshals” delves into Dutton’s military background, revealing his combat veteran skills. Viewers will witness Dutton’s ability to unlock a cellphone using a deceased individual’s eye scan – a talent previously unexplored in “Yellowstone.”

“We barely scratched the surface of that,” Grimes admits. “In a way, it was kind of a blessing because we have all that stuff to explore now without it feeling like we just made some stuff up.”

Beyond the Ranch: Dutton’s Search for Purpose

Grimes believes Dutton’s decision to become a U.S. Marshal stems from a desire for change and a way to help others, while also grappling with personal tragedy. “Clearly he’s making an effort to do something different here and change his life and change his son’s life at the same time,” says Grimes. “Because whatever dream that he had is over now, he’s never getting it back.”

The series also stars Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos, and Tatanka Means, alongside familiar faces from “Yellowstone,” including Gil Birmingham, Moses Brings Plenty, and Brecken Merrill as Dutton’s son.

A Non-Traditional Procedural

Hudnut emphasizes that “Marshals” will offer weekly twists and turns, but won’t adhere to a typical crime-of-the-week format. “CBS really wanted this to be a non-traditional procedural, which really allowed us to lean heavily into character.”

“Marshals” joins a growing slate of potential “Yellowstone” spinoffs, including “6666,” “1944,” and “The Madison,” alongside previously released spinoffs like “1883,” “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” and “1923.”

Emulating the Masters

Grimes relishes the opportunity to further explore Kayce Dutton’s persona – a man of few words who speaks only when necessary and always with honesty. He draws inspiration from actors like Paul Newman, who could convey volumes with subtle expressions. “He could sort of just sit there and have a flicker in his eye and you knew what he was saying,” Grimes explains. “I just was always drawn to those kinds of actors who could do a lot with a little. And so, maybe, that’s just me trying to sort of emulate my heroes in a way.”

Action and Intrigue

“Marshals” promises plenty of action, with the team confronting gangs, drug cartels, human traffickers, and environmental polluters. The pilot episode begins with a bombing. “This show is some good people going after the bad people. And if you like that sort of thing, it’ll be right up your alley,” Grimes asserts.

The series also marks Grimes’s first time leading a prime-time network show and his debut as a producer. He’s also releasing a new album in April, though touring will be limited due to his filming commitments. Fans can even hear one of his new songs during the pilot’s emotional finale.

Hudnut believes “Marshals” successfully extends the “Yellowstone” legacy, appealing to a broad audience. “Really, at its heart, it’s a show about family. It’s a show about legacy,” he says. “There’s something in there that we can all relate to, whether it’s being the father or being the son or being a sibling.”

Learn more about Marshals on CBS