Matthew McConaughey To Star In ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off
on Mar 28, 2023
It’s official. Matthew McConaughey is joining the Yellowstone franchise!
Matthew McConaughey, the actor perhaps best known for his rom-com roles, is trading the big screen for a tv screen. Rumors have swirled for weeks that McConaughey was in talks to star in a new Yellowstone spin-off. On Tuesday (March 28), Chris McCarthy, the head of Paramount Media Networks, confirmed the news. McCarthy told the Hollywood Reporter that the actor is “lined up to star in a Yellowstone extension.”
News of Matthew McConaughey‘s possible role in the wildly popular Taylor Sheridan franchise was leaked in March amid rumors that Kevin Costner was leaving the original Yellowstone series. Those associated with Paramount and Yellowstone have remained tight-lipped about whether or not Costner was exiting the show. But, rumor has it that a scheduling debacle between the series and Costner may lead to his departure.
McCarthy didn’t confirm or deny the speculation to the Hollywood Reporter. But, he did say that the hit show “wouldn’t be what it is today with Kevin and we hope that that stays for a long time to come.”
McCarthy also failed to share any details about Matthew McConaughey’s role in the franchise, a spin-off plot, or when we can expect it to air. He did say, however, that McConaughey’s new show will “move forward regardless of whether Costner returns to the original.”
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What is Yellowstone?
Yellowstone is a western drama series created by Taylor Sheridan that airs on the Paramount Network. Set in Montana, the series follows the Dutton family, owners of the largest cattle ranch in Montana, and the conflicts they and their Yellowstone Ranch endure.
The show stars Kevin Costner (John Dutton III), Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Kelsey Asbille (Monica Long Dutton), and Gil Birmingham (Chief Thomas Rainwater).
A prequel, titled 1883, aired in 2021-2022 and starred Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in leading roles as early Dutton ancestors. A second prequel followed titled 1923. This series followed the Dutton family through the Great Depression and western expansion and starred Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford.
Two more spin-offs are reportedly in production currently. The first is titled Bass Reeves and will focus on the title character. The fourth spin-off is 6666 that is set at the Four Sixes Ranch in present day Texas. A fifth spin-off titled 1944 was confirmed by Paramount in early 2023, but no further information is available about this series.
