Key Takeaways:
– Matthew McConaughey yet to sign a spin-off series with Yellowstone due to script issues, similar to what drove Kevin Costner away.
– Michelle Pfeiffer is reportedly closer to securing her own Yellowstone spinoff series.
– Current Yellowstone stars Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Luke Grimes could feature in Pfeiffer’s series but demand for pay raise may cause issues.
Yellowstone’s Future in Star Power Limbo Post Costner
Following the fallout and consequent departure of Kevin Costner from the Western drama “Yellowstone,” True Detective star, Matthew McConaughey, seems to be the likely successor. However, the deal with McConaughey remains uncertain as the actor insists on reviewing the full script by Taylor Sheridan; an issue that led to Costner’s exit. Despite the uncertainty, Paramount+ has enlisted Michelle Pfeiffer, well-known for her role in Ant-Man, who is close to finalizing her contract for a separate spin-off series.
Sheridan’s Creative Control Presses on the Breaks
Kevin Costner’s unexpected exit from Yellowstone during its fifth season was reportedly due to differences with the creator, Sheridan over the creative decisions in the series. Costner, being a perfectionist, had issues filming without a script, a common occurrence in the series. This seems to press on the breaks, tipping McConaughey’s decision towards the edge.
Although Sheridan did not resolve Costner’s concerns promptly and probably led to his exit, he now faces a similar hurdle with McConaughey. If he aims to proceed with this coveted spinoff project with the star, he must present McConaughey with a full script before the actor formalizes his commitment, as reported by the Puck Newsletter by Matthew Belloni.
Pfeiffer Poised to Pounce on Yellowstone Spinoff
On another front, Michelle Pfeiffer is on the brink of sealing her Yellowstone spinoff series deal. Matthew Belloni reports that the Ant-Man actress is in the concluding stages of negotiation with Paramount and 101 Studios for an unnamed Yellowstone sequel. The contract is anticipated to be concluded within a week or two.
Belloni divulges that the existing stars of the show, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Luke Grimes might feature in Pfeiffer’s series. But the trio’s request for wage increment, during the filming of the fifth season’s second part, poses a potential stumbling block. The studio remains firm against their demands, setting a deadline for the actors to finalize their contracts this week.
So, where does this leave McConaughey?
While Sheridan deems McConaughey as a natural fit for the spinoff, he also insists on maintaining the creative control of his series. This hang-up could further delay McConaughey’s deal, especially if Pfeiffer’s deal goes through. In such a scenario, Sheridan’s attention would likely shift to Pfeiffer’s series.
Being an enthusiastic follower of the show, McConaughey has expressed his desire to dive into Yellowstone’s raw world following several conversations with Sheridan over a potential project. However, for Sheridan to cast McConaughey successfully, he may need to compromise on his stringent rules. Until then, the second Yellowstone spinoff starring McConaughey remains under wraps.
Presently, all Yellowstone and its spinoff shows are available on Paramount+ for streaming. With time, hopefully, we will see how these thriving dramas further unfold their cast dynamics and steer their path amid these times of change.
