Following the news that "Yellowstone" would end its chart-topping run with the forthcoming Season 5, Part 2, it was announced in Nov. 2023 that the "Yellowstone" spinoff "2024" had been ordered at Paramount. Billed as a contemporary show debuting after the flagship series' finale in Nov. 2024, "2024" will reportedly see Matthew McConaughey taking the reins from Kevin Costner as the new head of Taylor Sheridan's growing Western universe.
McConaughey's casting has not yet been confirmed, and "2024" remains a working title. But we have some idea of what the series might include. As of Feb. 2024, Michelle Pfeiffer is reportedly in talks to star. Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton) are poised to reprise their roles in the spinoff if they resolve an ongoing pay dispute with Paramount.
"2024" was announced alongside a new prequel series, dubbed "1944." The spinoffs are the latest expansions of the Sheridan-verse, which also includes the "Lawmen" anthology series (which focuses on Bass Reeves in its debut season) the still-undated "1923" Season 2 and "6666" (which Sheridan says has been delayed). Not to mention the Billy Bob Thornton starrer "Land Man," currently in production.
The Sheridan-verse is alive and well, but will we see the OG Dutton clan in "2024," and what are the odds the series is filmed at the Chief Joseph Ranch (which doubles as the Dutton Ranch) in Montana? Here's what we know so far about the "Yellowstone" spinoff "2024," including plot details, potential cast members and probable release date.
What's the Plot of '2024'?
No plot details have been revealed, but it sounds like "2024" is a de facto continuation of "Yellowstone." When news first broke in May 2023 of a then-untitled "Yellowstone" spinoff, CEO of 101 Studios David Glasser stated, "The Dutton story continues, picking up where 'Yellowstone' leaves off in another epic tale." The series will feature original Dutton family cast members (more on this later).
Another "Yellowstone" spinoff, "6666," is set at Taylor Sheridan's Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, so our bet is that "2024" will be set in Montana at the Dutton Ranch. Whatever happens in the forthcoming "Yellowstone" series finale (Will John Dutton survive? Will Kayce or Rip inherit the ranch?), it will likely form the basis of "2024."
Will the 'Yellowstone' Cast Return for '2024'?
Kevin Lynch/Paramount
Paramount has not officially announced any "2024" casting news, but it's been reported that Matthew McConaughey is in "late-stage negotiations" to lead the spinoff. On Feb. 4, 2024, Puck reported that McConaughey was waiting on a script from Taylor Sheridan before signing on.
The outlet also reported that Michelle Pfeiffer had joined negotiations to star alongside McConaughey, and that Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly and Luke Grimes would reprise their roles if Paramount meets their financial demands. Reilly is reportedly asking for $1.2 million per episode (down from an initial demand of $1.5 million), while Hauser wants $1.25 million. Paramount's current offer is $850,000 per episode, with an increase to $950,000 per episode in Season 2 of the spinoff.
In addition, Hauser and Reilly are asking for top billing on the series — effectively making them the leads of the show, above any incoming stars. Paramount is also on the hook for the cast's salaries for the cancelled "Yellowstone" Season 6.
One thing we can be certain of? Kevin Costner will not be reprising his role as John Dutton in "2024." Costner declared his exit from "Yellowstone" last year, and it was subsequently announced that the show would end with Season 5. In court documents related to his Sept. 2023 divorce proceedings, Costner said he would "probably go to court" over "Yellowstone" salary he believes he is owed. It is unclear whether he will at all appear in Season 5, Part 2.
How Many Episodes Will '2024' Be?
"2024" is planned as a full series with multiple seasons, not a limited series (like "1883"). The spinoff could follow "Yellowstone" 's broadcast lead and include between 9-10 episodes per season. Or it could top out at 8 episodes, like the Paramount+ originals "1923" and "Lawmen: Bass Reeves."
When Will '2024' Premiere?
"2024" is currently a working title, so there's no guarantee the series will premiere in 2024 — especially if the final episodes of "Yellowstone" are pushed to 2025. As of June 2023, Taylor Sheridan admitted he only had "the broadest strokes" of the series figured out, so consider "2024" still in the development phase.
Check back here for any updates on the "Yellowstone" spinoff "2024."
