Alright, Yellowstone fans—get ready for some big news from the wild west! There’s a lot of buzz about a brand new Yellowstone spinoff, with none other than Matthew McConaughey tipped to be the leading man.

But how much of this is true, and what do we really know about the new series?

Rumors about McConaughey joining the Yellowstone universe started swirling even before the spinoff had a name. Chris McCarthy, head of Paramount Media Networks, hinted back in March 2023 that McConaughey was set to join the franchise.

However, as of now, McConaughey hasn’t officially signed on. The delay has sparked speculation, with insiders saying the deal is taking longer than usual.

Reportedly, McConaughey is holding out for a massive $2.5 million per episode, double what Kevin Costner made. This uncertainty has left fans and industry insiders alike wondering when, or if, McConaughey will finally put pen to paper.

Part of the holdup may be due to Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone’s creator, who has a reputation for being a tough and demanding showrunner. Some sources say McConaughey isn’t a fan of behind-the-scenes drama, which might be causing hesitation. In February 2024, reports suggested that while McConaughey remains the top choice, he won’t commit until he’s seen a script—which, so far, hasn’t materialized.

Initially, many believed McConaughey would step into the shoes of John Dutton, replacing Kevin Costner after his exit due to scheduling conflicts.

Paramount later confirmed a new Yellowstone sequel was in the works, regardless of whether Costner returned for the show’s final episodes. The original series is set to end after Season 5, paving the way for this highly anticipated spinoff.

Now, onto the cast: there’s talk that Michelle Pfeiffer might join as the female lead alongside McConaughey. Negotiations with Pfeiffer are reportedly moving quickly, and her addition would bring even more star power to the series.

Other familiar faces from Yellowstone, like Cole Hauser (Rip), Kelly Reilly (Beth), and Luke Grimes (Kayce), are also in talks to return, although nothing is set in stone. These returning actors are reportedly asking for $1.5 million per episode, and are still negotiating their contracts.

Despite earlier claims from Taylor Sheridan that the spinoff wouldn’t feature main characters from the original, there’s been a change of heart—likely to keep fans invested in the new show. However, negotiations and salary demands have delayed official announcements about who’s in and who’s out.

McConaughey himself has spoken about Yellowstone, praising the show’s themes of family, land, and the tough choices people make to protect what’s theirs. He’s shown respect for Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton, emphasizing the show’s moral complexity and frontier justice.

Meanwhile, Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) has publicly denied rumors about her involvement in the spinoff, saying she’s focused on giving Yellowstone the ending it deserves. She cautions fans not to believe every rumor, though she admits discussions about the future are ongoing.

As for fans, reactions are mixed—some are excited about the new direction, while others are skeptical about replacing Costner and the fate of their favorite characters. Still, anticipation is high, and the addition of McConaughey could bring a fresh energy to the franchise.

In summary, while there’s no official release date or finalized cast, the Yellowstone spinoff starring Matthew McConaughey is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated TV events on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates as the wild west drama continues!