The original Yellowstone series is gearing up for the final episodes of season 5 part 2, in which fans will see what happens to Kevin Costner’s character John Dutton and his family on their Montana ranch. But the show’s creator Taylor Sheridan has another major actor lined up for a follow-up show, and he spoke out on how it will affect the series.
In a cover story published on June 21 by The Hollywood Reporter, Taylor opened up about Dazed and Confused alum Matthew McConaughey debuting in the Yellowstone universe. Confirming previous reports of the actor negotiating his own spin-off show, Taylor addressed his feelings about Matthew’s impact on the franchise. As he told the outlet, the two have been discussing the opportunity for longer than fans may realize.
“[Matthew] seems like a natural fit,” Taylor told THR. “We had a few conversations over the years, and spitballed a few ideas. Then he started watching Yellowstone and responded to it. He was like, ‘I want to do that.’ And by ‘that’ he meant diving into a raw world clashing up against the modern world. And then I said, ‘Buddy, that we can do.'”
As for what role Matthew will play in the new Yellowstone spin-off, Taylor didn’t divulge too many details on the subject. But he did allude to a few key points about the Dallas Buyers Club star’s character in the universe, which will focus on a new cast in a different setting.
The producer also shared that while he doesn’t have the entire premise of the series fleshed out, his idea for Matthew’s show will be similar to how he approached his prequel shows 1883 and 1923.
“There are lots of places where a way of life that existed for 150 years is slamming against a new way of life, but the challenges are completely different,” Taylor explained to the outlet. “There are a lot of places you can tell this story.”
While mum’s the word about how this story will fold into the expanding Yellowstone universe (like the upcoming 1883 spin-off Lawmen: Bass Reeves), it’s possible that Matthew will interact with familiar stars from the original drama. In May, Deadline noted that several actors received offers to transition to the new show, meaning worlds could collide in ways no one would’ve thought.