While Kevin Costner is the well-known face of John Dutton, he is not the only actor to embody this character. In flashback scenes, Josh Lucas takes on the role of the Dutton patriarch, offering a different perspective on the character’s background.
The use of Josh Lucas in flashbacks suggests that the character John Dutton can appear without the direct involvement of Kevin Costner. This approach opens the door for the character’s return in projects like Y: Marshals, even if Costner himself does not participate.
"Remember, Kevin Costner is not the only actor who plays John Dutton."
This casting strategy provides flexibility for the story to continue exploring John Dutton's legacy through different timelines and perspectives.
The character John Dutton can realistically appear in new projects without Kevin Costner via flashbacks or alternative portrayals, expanding opportunities for narrative continuity.