Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has been a primary player in the television frontier for quite some time now. The drama of cowboys, ranchers, politicians, lawyers, and Native Americans, with generations of simmering tension between them has found a strong foothold in the industry as viewers flock to the screens to witness Sheridan’s mastery at work.
However, recent developments at Paramount with Kevin Costner have put a halt to their smooth sailing operation. With Yellowstone now facing its end and characters and plotlines heading toward a swift conclusion, the show’s creator has now been tasked with finding a greener pasture for the Dutton family, and if rumors are to be believed, it will have Matthew McConaughey or Michelle Pfeiffer’s in the mix.
Taylor Sheridan Fails to Lock Down a New Lead for Spin-off
Not too long ago, rumors about Matthew McConaughey taking over the reins from Kevin Costner were floating around Tinsel Town. Despite the seriousness of the talks and negotiations already on the way, it has been months since any progress has been made on locking McConaughey down for a Yellowstone spin-off.
Now, it seems as though Michelle Pfeiffer is the white knight who will ultimately pull Taylor Sheridan’s flailing progeny out from the depths of controversy hell. Since Kevin Costner’s departure upended Paramount’s 7-season plan for the show, the studio seems intent on putting the past in its place. Considering how unforgiving Costner has been on his end as well, Yellowstone might just be better off finding greener pastures under new leadership after all.
However, such a big move is always easier said th an done. To instill authority into new hands, let alone introduce a whole new storyline in the process, will deflect the public’s emotional investment in the overall Yellowstone arc. And such a concern has not eluded the fans, who are eagle-eyed enough to notice Taylor Sheridan grasping at straws in the aftermath of Costner’s departure.
Michelle Pfeiffer Could Endanger Yellowstone‘s Future
In the months leading up to the Yellowstone finale, the rising tension behind the scenes of the Western drama has reached a tipping point. With no confirmation from Matthew McConaughey due to the studio’s reluctance to agree on his $2.5 million per episode salary, Paramount looks forward to welcoming a matriarch into the family by bagging Michelle Pfeiffer to lead the spin-off.
According to a Life & Style interview with an insider source close to the Scarface actress:
Michelle is primed for big, big things and the mood is the franchise will go a different route and embrace girl power and move with the times. Matthew’s stalling could really cost him, and he still hasn’t inked a deal. Kevin’s return isn’t set in stone either — and he’s only going to get a cameo at best, thanks to his hard-line tactics, so the coast is clear for Michelle to take over!
She’s excited and ready to go. Word is, she’s very close to a deal and she really wants to do this, unlike her indecisive male counterparts. Her casting would be a refreshing welcome! This will be Michelle’s gain, Kevin and Matthew’s loss. It’s the juicy role that has eluded her for years!
Paramount’s stubborn stance on moving forward with the Yellowstone universe and expanding on all the characters inhabiting it has certainly piqued the public’s interest. But if pulling the crowd’s attention is the primary goal, in this case, Beth Dutton is the right way to go. Investing in an entirely new character this late in the game will not be a judicious call, despite Michelle Pfeiffer’s Hollywood billing and reputation.
Moreover, her lack of experience playing Machiavellian parts (except for a couple of films) will not bring enough conviction to the role, whatever it may be. The larger demography of viewers are already reluctant to move on from the John Dutton established universe. Stepping over from the Costner-led series directly into one helmed by the Marvel star can be a big adjustment, at best.