Fact Check: Is Matthew McConaughey replacing Kevin Costner in Yellowstone?

Matthew McConaughey is one of Hollywood’s most esteemed actors, and he is known for his impeccable performances. From Mud to Interstellar, McConaughey has delivered an epic performance. Recently, there’s been a stir about him joining the cast of Yellowstone as a replacement for Kevin Costner after his exit. So, is that true?

The answer is simple: No, McConaughey will not replace Costner in Yellowstone. After five seasons, Costner recently announced his exit from the series, startling fans and perplexing them about his character’s future.

According to Puck News' Matthew Belloni, McConaughey was initially expected to appear somewhere in the Yellowstone universe. However, multiple reports confirm that he’ll not be a part of it until he reads a script.

According to the publication, while McConaughey won’t appear on the OG Yellowstone, he remains at the top of the list as a lead for potential spin-offs and projects associated with it.

However, the chances of him accepting the role depend entirely on his filming schedule. Whether or not we’d ever see him portray another Western role remains to be seen. For now, Costner’s alleged replacement remains mere speculation.

What do we know about Matthew McConaughey's involvement in Yellowstone?

News of McConaughey’s involvement with Yellowstone emerged after showrunner Chris McCarthy reportedly confirmed news of McConaughey joining the franchise.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, McCarthy mentioned the fame to be “lined up” for playing a role on Yellowstone, sparking rumors of him replacing Costner.

However, per a report by Matthew Belloni from Puck News, while he remains a top choice to include in Yellowstone, due to the lack of a script and clashing filming schedules, McConaughey’s involvement is off the table for the moment.

In a separate interview with Hollywood Reporter, Yellowstone’s showrunner Taylor Sheridan gushed about including McConaughey. Calling McConaughey a “natural fit,” Sheridan remarked,

“We had a few conversations over the years and spitballed a few ideas.”

Sheridan claimed McConaughey was invested in the idea of being involved with Yellowstone. However, for now, that conversation remains benched and unconfirmed.

Why did Kevin Costner leave Yellowstone?

News of Costner’s departure from Yellowstone caused a stir among fans and critics of the series who’ve enjoyed watching his character ‘John Dutton’ on screen. There were an array of reasons for him to depart from the series.

A primary reason was a clash in his filming schedule during Season 5 of Yellowstone and the movie Horizon. Costner faced several issues due to filming, which eventually caused a delay in the show’s release.

Apart from that, Costner and his representatives revealed parting ways with the drama for “creative differences” and being reportedly “underpaid.” Shortly after confirming his exit from the show, Costner discussed the possibility of returning to Yellowstone amid rumors of a feud between him and Sheridan.

In an interview with CBS dated June 27, 2024, Costner mentioned,

“The idea of returning (as John Dutton) is wide open for me. It just happens to be, can I fall in love with the writing? Can I fall in love with the part to go forward?”

While Costner is moving on to the next chapter of his career, Yellowstone fans will fondly remember his portrayal as the Dutton patriarch.

Is the Yellowstone spin-off still in the works?

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Yes, the Yellowstone spin-off 1944 is still in the works, as is another one, 2024, which is now called The Madison. Paramount confirmed the same last year. Showrunners are currently busy producing 1944, and hence, details such as the release date, plot, cast, trailer, and more are being kept under wraps.

According to TV Insider, the series will reportedly be set approximately 15 years before Dutton's birth and will most likely highlight his life before becoming governor.