20 March, 2026
montana-locals-push-back-against-yellowstone-star-luke-grimes-relocation

Montana residents have expressed their discontent with the presence of ‘Yellowstone’ star Luke Grimes, who recently moved his family from Hollywood to a small town in the state. The actor, known for his role as Kayce Dutton, has opened up about the unexpected backlash following his relocation to the area where both the original series and its spin-off, ‘Marshals’, were filmed.

Grimes, 42, shared his experiences during an appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, where he discussed the challenges of integrating into the local community. “Well, your show made a lot of f–king people move out there, though,” Rogan remarked, to which Grimes replied, “That’s true and they’re not happy about it.”

Community Tensions and Personal Experiences

The actor recounted an incident where his friends from California, who were visiting, found the phrase “go back” written in the dust on their car. This incident highlighted the locals’ frustration with the influx of outsiders. Grimes admitted that he avoids disclosing his exact location to prevent further animosity. “People are super weird about it,” he noted.

Rogan humorously pointed out that in any small town, there’s always “one guy” who has a problem. Grimes agreed, explaining that he avoids local bars to steer clear of potential altercations. “It’s a win-win for him, you know? He gets to sue me or something,” Grimes said, illustrating the precarious nature of his public presence in the town.

From Hollywood to the Heartland

Grimes’ move to Montana was initially prompted by his work on ‘Yellowstone’. He and his wife, Bianca Rodrigues Grimes, along with their one-year-old son, decided to stay after purchasing a caravan. “We love it, it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Grimes told Rogan, expressing his fondness for the new lifestyle.

Despite the backlash, Grimes remains a key figure in the expanding ‘Yellowstone’ universe. The latest spin-off, ‘Marshals’, continues to explore the life of Kayce Dutton as he joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, blending his cowboy skills with his military background.

The Expanding ‘Yellowstone’ Universe

The success of ‘Yellowstone’ has spawned several spin-offs, each exploring different eras and aspects of the Dutton family saga. Notable titles include ‘1883’ and ‘1923’, which delve into the historical roots of the family and their ranching legacy.

‘1883’ follows the post-Civil War journey of the Duttons as they traverse the Great Plains, establishing the foundation for what would become the Yellowstone Ranch. Meanwhile, ‘1923’ introduces a new generation of Duttons, grappling with the challenges of the early 20th century, including pandemics and economic turmoil.

According to Paramount+, ‘1923’ stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, adding star power to the historical drama.

Looking Forward

As the ‘Yellowstone’ franchise continues to grow, new projects such as ‘Dutton Ranch’ and ‘6666’ are set to expand the narrative further. These series promise to explore the complexities of ranch life and the enduring legacy of the Dutton family.

Despite the local tensions, Grimes remains committed to his new home and the ongoing success of the franchise. His experiences underscore the cultural and social dynamics at play as Hollywood continues to intersect with rural America.

As the series evolves, so too does the conversation around its impact on the communities it portrays and inhabits. The story of the Duttons, much like Grimes’ own, is one of adaptation and resilience in the face of change.