There's finally a major update surrounding Yellowstone. The once rumored spinoff series starring Matthew McConaughey is now actually moving forward, and it's happening regardless of whether Kevin Costner returns or exits the flagship series.
In an in-depth conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount boss Chris McCarthy shared the nugget surrounding cable television's most-watched TV show, saying McConaughey is lined up to star in a Yellowstone extension. That will happen, McCarthy tells THR, whether Costner returns to helm the original show that's spawned a series of spinoffs.
What's more, McCarthy shared that the Taylor Sheridan universe is on the cusp of growing even bigger, saying McConaughey's Yellowstone extension is one of more than 10 projects McCarthy has with Sheridan, the architect behind 1883 and 1923, among others, on Paramount Network and Paramount+.
As for Costner's fate on the flagship show, McCarthy didn't offer any update on that front, only to say Yellowstone's success "wouldn't be what it is today without Kevin and we hope that that stays for a long time to come."
The update comes nearly two months after it was first reported that Yellowstone might come to an end in its current form sooner than expected amid a Deadline report alleging disagreements over Costner's filming schedule. According to the report, Costner allegedly requested one week of shooting to complete the remaining eight episodes in the back half of season 5, which is slated to resume in the summer. His request was allegedly denied by Paramount Network.
At the time, a spokesperson for Paramount Network told ET that the network had "no news to report," while adding that Costner "is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that's the case for a long time to come."
Weeks after the Deadline report, Puck News reported scheduling disagreements, pay disputes and personal friction between different key players were at the root of the problem.
Reporter Matthew Belloni, who wrote about the behind-the-scenes drama for Puck News, told ET that some feel Costner, who reportedly earns over $1 million per episode, has "a pretty big ego" and that this likely "came to the forefront on Yellowstone, especially recently, as has a passion project that he's wanted to do for a long time -- to direct this movie called Horizon, which is a western that he's directing and starring in."
"He really wanted to put that in front of Yellowstone, and the producers of Yellowstone said, 'Hey, the show is your first priority, we're paying you a lot of money to do this show.' And Kevin just was very headstrong and wanted his way," Belloni stated. "This was a fight that has been playing out for the past few months now behind the scenes."
Costner's attorney, Marty Singer, later released a statement to ET denying reports about Costner's schedule request.
"The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of season 5 of Yellowstone is an absolute lie. It's ridiculous," Singer stated. "As everyone who knows anything about Kevin is well aware, he is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone way above and beyond to ensure its success."
Costner earned a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal as patriarch John Dutton. He unboxed his statue in February after he was forced to miss the awards show due to severe storms in California.
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