The highly anticipated Yellowstone spin-off is set to feature the return of three major actors, a move that will undoubtedly delight fans of the franchise. Initially announced in May 2023, this new project comes on the heels of lead star Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone during the latter half of its fifth season. With franchise creator Taylor Sheridan at the helm, the sequel will continue to explore the complex and gripping saga of the Dutton family. Early reports had suggested that Matthew McConaughey was in talks for a significant role, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.
In a recent update from the “What I’m Hearing” newsletter at Puck, it’s been revealed that Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes are close to finalizing their deals to return as Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, and Kayce Dutton, respectively. The potential involvement of McConaughey and Michelle Pfeiffer remains uncertain, hinging on their approval of the show’s creative direction.
The development of the Yellowstone spin-off is intricately linked to how the main series concludes. With season 5 part 2 of Yellowstone slated to begin filming over the summer and premiere on November 10, 2024, the narrative choices made in these final episodes will significantly influence the direction of the spin-off. There is still much speculation about how Sheridan plans to wrap up the series, especially considering the pivotal role Costner’s John Dutton has played. The possibility of John Dutton’s fate, whether he will be killed off or retire, is a subject of intense speculation among fans.
Kelly Reilly Wants to Give ‘Yellowstone’ a Good Ending
Last month, Reilly made an attempt to pour cold water over the speculation that her participation, along with that of Grimes and Hauser, was in doubt over the supposed financial disputes. Speaking with Radio Times in the UK, the English actress was defiant in her remarks, telling fans “don’t believe everything you read” and describing the reports as “nonsense.” She said:
“I just care about finishing [the main show] with as much care and as much passion and as much love as I can muster to put into it. That’s what I care about. I’m sort of prepping for that now [and] that’s my tunnel vision thing that I care about most. And what goes on beyond that? There are discussions, you know. Don’t believe everything you read. It’s just nonsense. But we’re gonna, you know, let’s wait and see . I don’t have an answer right now. But we’ll see.”
What Will the ‘Yellowstone’ Sequel Be Called?
While the spin-off has been in the works for over a year, concrete details remain scarce. A previous update from November hinted that the project might be titled 2024, aligning with other Yellowstone spin-offs like 1923 and 1883. However, the final title and release date might still be in flux, depending on the production schedule and storyline developments.
One certainty about the spin-off is its commitment to preserving the elements that have made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon. The return of Grimes, Hauser, and Reilly is a strategic move to maintain continuity and keep longtime fans engaged. The chemistry between Beth and Rip, in particular, has been a cornerstone of the series, and their presence in the spin-off is a reassuring sign for viewers hoping for a seamless transition.