With Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan has created one of the most successful series of recent years and a whole Western universe founded. Most recently, this was expanded to include the prequel series 1883 and 1923, which prove that the demand for Yellowstone stories is enormous. Of all things, the mother series, which also streams on Netflix, is in trouble.
It all started with the argument between Sheridan and main actor Kevin Costner. Since last year, reports have been piling up Disagreements behind the scenes, which often involve money. The consequence: Costner leaves Yellowstone and Sheridan starts a sequel series that replaces season 6.
After Kevin Costner: Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser and Luke Grimes could also leave Yellowstone
As Hollywood insider Matthew Belloni writes at Puck, the cast of the new series is anything but set. According to Costner could three other stars of the original leaving the ranch: Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) and Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton). Beth and Rip in particular are two big fan favorites.
Paramount+
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser in Yellowstone
All three stars are currently in salary negotiations. Your demands: Around $1.25 million per episode. That would catapult her into the circle of the highest paid actors in the series. Given the enormous success of Yellowstone, the request seems entirely reasonable.
However, Paramount+ sees it differently. As Belloni reports, each of the stars negotiates on their own. So it could be that only two of the three return. In the worst case scenario, Yellowstone will soon be over without his nuclear family there and must rely on new faces who will carry the Dutton legacy into the future.
Paramount+
Luke Grimes in Yellowstone
A lot is happening on this front too. Matthew McConaughey is still in talks for one important role in the Yellowstone sequel. However, he hasn’t signed anything yet. Belloni brings another name into play: Michelle Pfeiffer. Apparently the negotiations have progressed furthest with her.
The next few months should be very exciting. A completely new era of Yellowstone may soon await us. Sheridan is diligently planning to continue expanding the Western universe. After 1882 and 1923, two more spin-offs are to come: 6666 and 1944. There have been no updates on the projects for a long time.
When does the new Yellowstone series start?
Before the Yellowstone sequel appears, the original must end. The second half of season 5 starts in November 2024 at Paramount+. Additionally, a 1923 season 2 is in the works, with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren returning.
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