There’s a cult classic TV show you can watch to get aLuke Grimesfix while waiting for Kayce Dutton’sYellowstonespinoff. While Taylor Sheridan’s massively popular neo-Western series is doubtlessly Grimes’ most recognizable role, theYellowstonestar has been acting since 2006, with parts in noteworthy movies such asAmerican Sniperand theFifty Shades of Greyfranchise.

Sheridan’s original series wrapped up at the end of 2024 withYellowstoneseason 5, but Kayce Dutton’s story will continue in aYellowstonespinoffon CBS titledY: Marshals.Slated for early 2026,Kayce’s spinoff will follow John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) son as he joins an elite team of US Marshalsconsidered the region’s last line of defense.

Kayce Dutton on the phone in Yellowstone Season 5

Luke Grimes Plays James Kent In True Blood Season 6

Luke Grimes Joined True Blood In 2013

BeforeYellowstone,Luke Grimes joined the cast ofTrue Blood,a dark fantasy horror drama, for season 6.Grimes enteredTrue Blood’s supernatural world as James Kent, a vampireturned amid the Vietnam War. The show was based onThe Southern Vampire Mysteriesnovels by Charlaine Harris, airing on HBO from 2008 to 2014 for seven seasons.

Luke Grimes featured in five episodes, withTrue Bloodseason 6, episode 6, “Don’t You Feel Me” marking his first appearance.His story intersects with Jessica Hamby (Deborah Ann Woll) when they both find themselves at the vampire camp. Grimes featured throughout season 6 as Jessica’s love interest, but the role was recast forTrue Bloodseason 7.

Luke Grimes as James Kent in True Blood copy

How Luke Grimes’ True Blood Character Compares To Kayce Dutton

Kayce Dutton & James Kent Are Like-Minded

It’s evident from the start that Luke Grimes’True Bloodcharactershares characteristics with Kayce Dutton.James is considered to be thoughtful and kind-hearted, contrasting with the hostile supernatural environment. He distinguishes himself from other vampires, saying that he believes vampireschooseto give up their souls, and he has decided not to let his humanity go.

In both atmospheres, Grimes plays an ethically-minded character with brutal capabilities.

Headshot Of Luke Grimes

Kayce Dutton, too, co-exists with violent conditions not of his choosing. A vital member of the Dutton family,Kayce is tasked with protecting his family’s ranch against dangerous circumstances, but maintains his moralitydespite those around him succumbing to violence, becoming murderers to preserve theYellowstone Dutton Ranch. In both atmospheres, Grimes plays an ethically-minded character with brutal capabilities.

Why Luke Grimes Was Replaced As James In True Blood

James Kent is considered one ofLuke Grimes’ best TV and movie roles, but the actor didn’t return forTrue Blood’s seventh and final season.James Kent was still a part of the plot, but Luke Grimes didn’t returnto finish the character’s arc. Grimes’ publicist attributed his exit to scheduling conflicts, with roles in other noteworthy projects lined up.

In contrast, HBO cited that the“creative direction of the character”was why Nathan Parsons replacedLuke Grimesas James Kent forTrue Bloodseason 7. That aligned with various insider claims, with sites likeLooperreporting that Grimes disagreed with James’ evolving storyline, wherein he would embark on a romance with Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), making Kent bisexual.