Matthew McConaughey Yellowstone spinoff moves forward amid rumors of Kevin Costner exit

A Yellowstone spin-off starring Matthew McConaughey is set to move forward whether or not Kevin Costner remains with the original series. 

The actor, 53, who is currently working with Woody Harrelson on comedy for Apple, has been negotiating to head West in a Yellowstone spin-off. 

The nature or time frame of a McConaughey spin-off has not been revealed yet.  

Paramount president and CEO Chris McCarthy has said the new show starring McConaughey will go on, regardless of whether Kevin Costner decides to stay with the original series, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

The actor, 68, who stars as Dutton family head John Dutton, has asked to cut back on his Yellowstone shooting schedule quite drastically and could leave the series in order to focus on his own film project, a multi-part western epic Horizon, according to Deadline.

Costner co-wrote the script and will direct the project as well.

Yellowstone is currently the most watched show on cable and broadcast. 

McCarthy did not comment on the show’s future with Costner, but did say the drama  ‘wouldn’t be what it is today without Kevin and we hope that that stays for a long time to come.’  

Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan has already put together two very successful  spinoffs. 

1883, starred Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as the original Dutton pioneers who settled in Wyoming after the tragic death of their daughter, Elsa, played by Isabel May.

1923, starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford has been renewed for a second season, as the Dutton family struggles with a changing landscape in the early part of the 20th century. 

‘I really didn’t realize how much work 1923 was going to be,’ the 80-year-old actor told The Hollywood Reporter, ‘and I absolutely feel it’s worth it.’

The action star, who is also starring in the Apple+ dramady Shrinking, which will also be returning for a second season said ‘I’m excited to do another season of both.’

Mirren concurred, calling the renewal ‘very happy news as far as I was concerned.’ 

‘I’m fascinated to see where Cara is going to go,’ she told Deadline. 

Besides the reported Matthew McConaughey project, Sheridan has another nine shows in the works, including Bass Reeves.

David Oyelowo, 47, will star as the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River in American history.