The future of the “Yellowstone” universe is coming together. Deadline reports that series stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have closed deals to lead a spinoff series. The news comes ahead of the “Yellowstone” finale on Sunday, Dec. 15. Paramount Network declined to comment.
The new series is being developed by franchise creator Taylor Sheridan and will likely feature other “Yellowstone” characters alongside Reilly, who plays Beth Dutton, the hard-charging daughter of the late John Dutton, and Hauser, who plays Beth’s tough husband, ranch foreman Rip Wheeler. It will feature “Yellowstone” in the title.
Reports for plans of a continuation of TV’s most popular show have been swirling since “Yellowstone” star Kevin Costner left the series early last year. In August, Deadline reported that “Yellowstone” would actually return for Season 6. But now, plans are reportedly coalescing around a spinoff, which will allow Paramount to retain streaming rights for the new series after a previous executive regime licensed “Yellowstone” to Peacock.
If this series goes forward, it will bring to a close years of behind-the-scenes drama that spilled over onto the screen, as Costner left the show over a dispute with the other producers over scheduling and compensation, leaving Sheridan to figure out how to wrap up the show without its main character, rancher and Montana governor John Dutton, and set up a Costner-less future for the franchise. Sheridan decided to have assassins kill John and focus the final six episodes on his family members as they deal with the fallout. But even as the original incarnation of “Yellowstone” wound down, there were hints that the story would continue in some capacity, as Paramount Network has not promoted Season 5B as the final season.
Even without Costner, the show continues to be a massive hit, with Episode 4 drawing 12.1 million viewers on Paramount Network.
Beyond the Rip & Beth spinoff, the “Yellowstone” franchise continues to expand. A contemporary spinoff starring Michelle Pfeiffer called “The Madison” is in production, and prequel series “1923” is set to return for Season 2 in February.