Summary
Taylor Sheridan’sYellowstonefranchise has confirmed that three leading stars are returning for the follow-up to the second part of the show’s final season, but while the situation is somewhat reassuring for fans, it also underscores the biggest problem for the saga’s future. Despite its undeniable popularity,Yellowstone’s finale has been beset with controversy. The combination of a cliffhanger ending and behind-the-scenes turmoil has made the future feel less certain than ever. The recent casting development alleviates some of these concerns, but inadvertently confirms the series' biggest problems in the process.
Even without the issues affecting thecast,Yellowstoneseason 5has had a complicated journey. As a result of writer strikes, the season was split into two parts – with part one ending on a dramatic note as the conflict between Beth and Jamie reached boiling point. This cast the whole franchise’s ambitious future into doubt – especially with the news thatKevin Costner was leavingYellowstonedue to a combination of scheduling conflicts and creative differences. News that three main stars are returning for theYellowstoneseason 5 sequelprovides some consistency but also demonstrates a problem with the franchise.
Yellowstone’s Returning Actors Proves The Original Characters Are The Biggest Draw
After a reported pay dispute,Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes are all reportedly set to returnfor theYellowstonesequel series. Tentatively titled2024, theYellowstonefollow-up’s story is largely shrouded in mystery. However, the involvement of the three original stars seemingly confirms thatRip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, and Kayce Dutton will all play prominent rolesin whatever story Taylor Sheridan wishes to tell.
Initially, much of the excitement aroundYellowstone’s prospective future revolved around thepotential involvement of superstars Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew McConaughey. While neither is yet confirmed to be joining the series, the return of the originalYellowstonetrio reveals an uncomfortable truth for the rest of the franchise. Namely, that whatever direction the story goes, it’s the originalYellowstonecharacters that remain the biggest draw.
After five seasons in their company, audiences have become incredibly invested in the trials and tribulations of the Duttons
On one level, this situation is unsurprising. After five seasons in their company, audiences have become incredibly invested in the trials and tribulations of the Duttons – much more than any of the characters that have been introduced in single-season spinoffs. However, while this is an inevitable consequence of longevity and success,it also creates a problem for the series' future as it moves beyond the originalYellowstone– especially given that the show’s main focal point,Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, will not be returning for the sequel.
By bringing back Rip, Beth, and Kayce,Yellowstone’s sequel has confirmed the original Dutton’s importance to the show’s story. Although this is unsurprising, it also risks accentuating the inevitable void that will be left by Kevin Costner’sYellowstonedeparture. The exact reasons behind Costner’s leaving remain unclear. While Costner’s lawyer refuted claims that he was unwilling to commit to anextensive filming schedule forYellowstoneseason 5, commenting, “The idea that Kevin was only willing to work one week on the second half of season five of Yellowstone is an absolute lie,” other reports have been less unequivocal. Sheridan himself said (viaTHR):
“My last conversation with Kevin was that he had this passion project he wanted to direct. He and the network were arguing about when he could be done with Yellowstone. I said, ‘We can certainly work a schedule toward [his preferred exit date],’ which we did.”
Whatever the real reason, the fact thatYellowstoneis still so clearly dependent on the Duttons' storyto provide its narrative impetus, yet has lost the most compelling Dutton of them all, leaves its future uncertain. Up until now, Rip, Beth, and Kayce’s stories have all largely revolved around how they relate to the austere family patriarch. With him gone, it remains to be seen how interesting their stories are in isolation.
…the moreYellowstonedoubles down on this generation of Duttons, the more disputes like the one that caused Costner’s departure…hold the potential to derail the show.
Ultimately, the three characters' return confirms thatYellowstoneis in an uncomfortable Catch-22. On the one hand,it needs to stick with the modern Dutton family, since they are the characters that audiences are most familiar withand therefore provide the best chance of continued success. On the other, the moreYellowstonedoubles down on this generation of Duttons, the more disputes like the one that caused Costner’s departure and the pay issue for Hauser, Reilly, and Grimes hold the potential to derail the show. Centering its spinoffs on familiar characters is a risk-reward strategy that may undo the whole franchise.
Why Yellowstone Keeps Coming Back To The Modern Duttons (Despite The Spinoffs)
Unlike some long-running dramas,Yellowstonewas ambitious from the outset when it came to establishing spinoff series. Shows like1883,1923, the as-yet-unreleased6666all highlight how expansive theYellowstoneuniverse is– both with contemporary stories and adventures set in the past. However, while both1883and1923have had real critical success, there’s an inevitable sense that they only exist in service to the originalYellowstoneshow.
Although1923is confirmed to be getting a second series, the impression remains that the show and its predecessor1883are designed purely to augment the existing Dutton myth. Such is the overbearing presence and personality of characters like John Dutton III, Rip Wheeler, and Beth Dutton thatit’s hard for other members of the family – even ones played by the likes of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren – to make their stories seem compelling. ThemanyYellowstonespinoffshave also suffered from the problem affecting many prequels, in that, since the viewers already know the destination, the drama loses its impact.
Yellowstoneseason 5, part 2 is set to release in November 2024
This explains why the nextYellowstonespinoff will be set after the events of the main show come to an end. Continuing the stories of Rip, Beth, and Kayce at least promises to bring some more uncertainty into the franchise. While the specifics of1883and1923’s stories were unknown, the Duttons' situation in the present meant thatany existential threat to the ranch and family as entities was substantially diminished– whatever the other merits of the shows. Even though Kevin Costner’s absence creates many other problems, it will at least be fascinating to see how the family copes without him – a genuine unknown for viewers.
How Yellowstone Can Finally Move On From The Original Duttons
The problems facingYellowstonecreate quite a conundrum. However, there is a way for the show to move beyond its original characters and still create compelling drama for audiences. If the new spinoff can entice a star like Matthew McConaughey to join its roster, thenthe series will have a new focal pointthat relieves some of the pressure on the returning trio. Simultaneously, a high-profileJohn Dutton replacement like McConaugheywill also necessitate a change in storyline, with the Duttons playing a less central role in the narrative.
The combination of these two factors could create a situation whereYellowstone’s future story gradually morphs into something where the Duttons remain an important presence, but are not the epicenter of the drama.This would allow future spinoffs and stories to incorporate elements that aren’t beholden to a single family, making its approach more flexible. For now, the emphasis on the return of Hauser, Reilly, and Grimes creates some additional problems forYellowstone’s future. However, it’s also possible to see a pathway for the show to move forward.
