- A Yellowstone sequel series has been greenlit.
- The cast has not been officially announced.
- Kevin Costner is not expected to return.
Yellowstone fans are likely reeling from the news that the hit family drama will be ending after season 5. While it’s upsetting to see the original show coming to a close and not getting a season 6, there isn’t too much reason to worry. Why? Because there’s already a sequel show that’s been greenlit.
So, what happened with Yellowstone? What is the sequel series going to be about? When will it premiere? HollywoodLife has compiled all the key information about the Yellowstone sequel series we know so far.
What Is The Yellowstone Sequel About?
Paramount hasn’t revealed too much information about the Yellowstone sequel series, but we did get crucial information in recent statements. “The Dutton story continues, picking up where Yellowstone leaves off in another epic tale. We are thrilled to bring this new journey to audiences around the world,” David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, said in a statement. We don’t know who is going to star in the Yellowstone sequel series or the exact storyline, but it is a sequel. The show will feature the Dutton family.
“Yellowstone has been the cornerstone on which we have launched an entire universe of global hits – from 1883 to Tulsa King, and I am confident our Yellowstone sequel will be another big hit, thanks to the brilliant creative mind of Taylor Sheridan and our incredible casts who bring these shows to life,” Chris McCarthy, President & CEO Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios, said in a statement.
Back in February 2023, when news of a possible sequel was first announced, Deadline reported that it was “unclear which of the Yellowstone cast” would move over to the sequel series, but it was “expected to include several of the big stars. In addition to Kevin Costner, the ensemble cast includes Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham. The cast of the sequel series is expected to be announced shortly.
When Will The Yellowstone Sequel Series Premiere?
The Yellowstone sequel series will premiere in December 2023 on Paramount Network and later on Paramount+. Yellowstone’s final episodes are expected to premiere in November 2023. It’s uncertain whether or not the shows will crossover at any point or if Yellowstone will end before the sequel series premieres.
Will Kevin Costner Be In The Yellowstone Sequel Series?
Kevin Costner is not expected to return as John Dutton in the Yellowstone sequel series. Days before the sequel series was officially announced, Entertainment Tonight reported that the Oscar winner was not planning to return beyond season 5. A sequel series wasn’t mentioned, but that’s likely what they were referring to.
The flagship series has been embroiled in drama over the last few months. In February 2023, Deadline reported that co-creator and showrunner Taylor Sheridan, as well as Paramount Global and Paramount Network, were “moving to end” Yellowstone in its current form. At the time, it was reported they were “plotting a franchise extension to continue the Dutton saga.” Matthew McConaughey’s name was mentioned as the possible star of the franchise extension.
“We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner,” a Paramount Network spokesperson said.
Deadline claimed there were “disagreements over shooting schedules” with Kevin, who plays the Dutton family patriarch. The outlet reported that Kevin only “wanted to shoot for 50 days for the first part of the current season” and only a week shooting the second part of season 5. The tension over the shooting schedules reportedly caused “morale problems” amongst the rest of the cast.
In response to an exposé about the ongoing drama, Kevin’s lawyer, Marty Singer, released a statement to Puck.News on behalf of the actor: “The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of season 5 of Yellowstone is an absolute lie. It’s ridiculous — and anyone suggesting it shouldn’t be believed for one second. As everyone who knows anything about Kevin is well aware, he is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone way above and beyond to ensure its success.”
Kevin is currently gearing up for a long directing journey. His latest directorial feature, Horizons, has already been filmed, and he’s gearing up to film the movie’s 3 sequels back-to-back. The second film is set to start filming this spring.
Is Matthew McConaughey Joining The Yellowstone Sequel Series?
Paramount has not officially Matthew McConaughey’s involvement in any Yellowstone project yet. Deadline reported that the Oscar winner was “in negotiations” to star in a Yellowstone series, but that’s the latest we know on that front.
After Matthew’s name was mentioned, fans began to speculate as to who he could play in the Yellowstone universe. Since this is a sequel series we’re talking about, he could play a long-lost Dutton who has come for the ranch. That would keep the Dutton family drama intact and provide a new element of challenges.