Matthew McConaughey in Negotiations for ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off in Midst of Scheduling Conflict with Kevin Costner
Taylor Sheridan writing spin-off show with actor Matthew McConaughey in mind, further expanding the ‘Yellowstone’ universe.
(Center) Matthew McConaughey in director Christopher Nolan's 'Interstellar.'
Popular cowboy drama ‘Yellowstone’ has some drama of its own!
Alright, alright, alright. It looks like Interstellar star Matthew McConaughey is being eyed for a spin-off series for the popular drama ‘Yellowstone’. Deadline reports co-creator and showrunner, Taylor Sheridan, Paramount Global, and Paramount Network are looking to end the series due to scheduling conflicts with its star, Kevin Costner.
Costner, who won a Golden Globe earlier this year for his role in the series originally limited himself to 65 days of of filming. Later, the actor only wanted to film for 50 days for the first half of current season. For the second part of season, he then only wanted to film for a week.
Given the show’s popularity, the series is likely to continue with or without its star. Garnering 8.2 million same-day views in the first half of the fifth season, Yellowstone grosses more viewers than any other primetime network shows.
The spin-off would extend the Dutton Family storyline, further expanding the Yellowstone universe. A spokesperson from Paramount says, “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,”
While no deal has been set, Sheridan is planning to write with McConaughey in mind. No word on who from the cast will appear in the new show. The spin-off would start on Paramount Network then stream exclusively on Paramount+.
Kevin Costner as John Dutton III in Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone' season 5. Credit: Paramount Network.
Expanding the universe wouldn’t be a difficult task as prequel limited series such as '1883' and '1932' are a hit with the audience. In fact, ‘1923’ which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren has already been confirmed a second season. It will focus on Western expansion, prohibition, and the Great depression.
Sources say Paramount Network has declined Costner’s recent proposal and has decided to move on to the other show. If this is true, then it is likely that 'Yellowstone' will end with the second half of the current season.
'Yellowstone' follows the story of the Dutton Family who are the owners of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the largest ranch in Montana. The family’s patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) leads his family through difficult times with developers, the national park, the bordering Brocken Rock Indian Reservation and internal family conflicts.
The show stars Kevin Costner, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser,Wes Bentley, and Kelsey Asbille Chow.
'Yellowstone' was co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. Produced by 101 Studios and MTV Entertainment Studios. Executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, John Linson, Kevin Costner, Art Linson, David C. Glasser, Bob Yari, and Stephan Kay.
(L to R) Kevin Costner as John Dutton III, Kelly Reilly as Bethany "Beth" Dutton, and Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton in Paramount Network's 'Yellowstone' season 5. Credit: Paramount Network.
