The dispute behind the scenes of Yellowstone continues. After Kevin Costner, the popular western series is now at risk of losing three more stars
With Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan has created one of the most successful series of recent years and established an entire Western universe. Most recently, this was expanded to include the prequel series 1883 and 1923, which prove that the demand for Yellowstone stories is growing: The demand for Yellowstone stories is enormous. The parent series, of all things, which is also streamed on Netflix, is in trouble.
It all started with the dispute between Sheridan and lead actor Kevin Costner. Since last year, there have been increasing reports of disagreements behind the scenes, often involving money. The consequence: Costner leaves Yellowstone and Sheridan launches a sequel series to take the place of season 6
After Kevin Costner: Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser and Luke Grimes could also leave Yellowstone
As Hollywood insider Matthew Belloni writes on Puck, the cast of the new series is anything but set. After Costner, three other stars of the original could leave the ranch: Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) and Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton). Beth and Rip in particular are two big fan favorites.
(Kelly Reilly and Luke Grimes in Yellowstone)
All three stars are currently in salary negotiations. Their demands: Around 1.25 million US dollars per episode. That would catapult them into the circle of the best-paid actors in the series sector. Given the enormous success of Yellowstone, the demand seems entirely reasonable.
Read on to find out more: The entire Yellowstone universe at a glance
Paramount+ sees things differently, however. As Belloni reports, each of the stars is negotiating separately. It could therefore be that only two of the three return. In the worst case scenario, Yellowstone will soon be without its core family and will have to rely on new faces to carry the Dutton legacy into the future
(Luke Grimes in Yellowstone)
A lot is happening on this front too. Matthew McConaughey is still in talks for an important role in the Yellowstone sequel. However, he hasn’t signed anything yet. Belloni brings another name into play: Michelle Pfeiffer. Apparently, negotiations have progressed the furthest with her.
The next few months should be very exciting. A completely new Yellowstone era may soon await us. Sheridan is busy planning the expansion of the Western universe. After 1882 and 1923, two more spin-offs are planned: 6666 and 1944. However, there have been no updates on these projects for some time now.
