Matthew McConaughey’s status in the Yellowstone sequel show has been revealed. While this fall’s Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is set to end the main arc of the story, the Yellowstone universe is far from complete. Development continues on Yellowstone spinoffs, which include both prequels and sequels to the popular Western series. In April 2023, it was confirmed that famed actor McConaughey would be joining the Yellowstone universe in a show that would be an “extension” of Yellowstone.
Contrary to this previous assumption, a new report from Puck reportedly reveals that McConaughey will likely not be involved in the Yellowstone spinoff series. Matthew Belloni wrote that “at this point [he’s] told that he’s [McConaughey] probably out.” The journalist and Hollywood insider mentioned that Kurt Russell might take over for McConaughey in a spinoff series called The Madison. He also confirmed that Michelle Pfeiffer was indeed nearing the “end of a deal” to star The Madison. Belloni also suggested that The Madison is only “likely” but “not for sure” connected to Yellowstone.
The Confusion with The Madison Explained
Will Russell Replace McConaughey?
Belloni’s report comes after an announcement earlier this week that the Yellowstone spinoff formerly titled 2024, would now be titled The Madison. The leading cast nearing a deal includes Russell, Pfeiffer, and Suits star Patrick J. Adams. In the report about The Madison, there was no mention of McConaughey, who had been previously reported to star in the Yellowstone spinoff. This omission kicked up rumors that The Madison had replaced McConaughey’s role with Russell.
Belloni’s report on the subject indicates that the rumors may be true, meaning that the former True Detective star would not be involved. While his involvement in the project was announced over a year ago, more recent reports revealed that McConaughey was still in negotiations for his part in the Yellowstone spinoff, meaning that nothing was yet finalized. Because of this, it is still possible that the actor had to bow out for one reason or another, and Russell could be his replacement.
While the McConaughey-Russell switch out is the most notable element of the Belloni report, another interesting factor is the journalist’s note that The Madison is “not for sure” connected to Yellowstone. While this would seem to contradict previous understandings of the series, Belloni also makes the important call out that The Madison is a separate series from the spinoff that will include several of the main cast members and follow the events after Yellowstone season 5, part 2. With both shows in development, time will tell how each project relates to the Yellowstone universe.