With the future of Yellowstone in question, rumors are swirling that Matthew McConaughey could be joining the beloved franchise.
A report issued Monday (February 6) claims that the wildly popular Paramount series Yellowstone could be coming to an end earlier than anticipated. Deadline reported that scheduling conflicts between the network and the show’s lead actor, Kevin Costner, have caused everyone involved to consider bringing the series to a close.
The outlet shared that Costner had originally committed to 65 days of shooting on Yellowstone’s current, fifth season, but “only wanted to shoot for 50 days for the first part of the current season.” They added that the actor only wanted to spend one week shooting the season’s second round of episodes.
His limited Yellowstone shooting schedule is likely due to the time he is spending directing and starring in Horizon, a multi-part western he co-wrote.
If and whenYellowstone does come to an end, fans of the series can find comfort knowing that writer Taylor Sheridan still has plenty of story left to tell.
After the success of the show’s prequel series, 1883 and 1923, the franchise isn’t as dependent on Yellowstone as it once was.
Sources told Deadline that Paramount Network and Taylor Sheridan are currently in negotiations with Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey to star in a new franchise extension.
“It isn’t clear at present whether the McConaughey-fronted franchise extension will be set on the Dutton ranch in Montana or elsewhere. But the new project is way more than just talk, borne out of the continued disagreements over the lessening amount time Costner is willing to spend shooting the series,” Deadline wrote.
Neither Matthew McConaughey or Kevin Costner have responded to the rumors.
A spokesperson for Paramount Network issued a statement that didn’t confirm or deny the speculation about Costner and McConaughey’s roles in the Yellowstone franchise.
“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,” a Paramount Network spokesperson told Deadline.