STACK #241 November 2024

MOVIE FEATURE

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THE YELLOWSTONE UNIVERSE

Yellowstone ’s first spin-off prequel series, 1883 - starring Sam Elliott with country stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill - lasted just one season

Yellowstone ,TV’s biggest drama, has become an industry juggernaut. After a long delay, Season 5, Part 1 has finally arrived, offering a final chance to see Kevin Costner’s imposing ranching patriarch, John Dutton - whether he rides off into the sunset, or just heads to the governor’s office. Words Gill Pringle C reated by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, Range , he was eager to return to the director’s chair, inspired by America’s enduring love for the genre. And so, the megastar, who was initially contracted to appear in only three seasons, decided to hang up his Dutton boots. THE YELLOWSTONE EMPIRE the neo-western series premiered on TV six years ago, instantly becoming a hit largely thanks to its star Kevin Costner as Yellowstone ’s imposing patriarch, John Dutton. But Dutton’s three squabbling adult children quickly captured hearts too - namely Kelly Reilly’s out-of-control Beth Dutton, Wes Bentley’s scheming and despicable Jamie Dutton, and Luke In season five, John Dutton takes on the role of Montana’s reluctant governor, determined to protect his ranch at all costs. However, Market Equities - the company from the previous season aiming to buy out

(intentionally, according to Sheridan). The story was chronologically the first of several prequels

in Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe, focusing on a generation of the Dutton family during the Old West as they crossed the country before settling the land that would become the Yellowstone Ranch. A second prequel series 1923 - starring the Duttons during the time of Prohibition and the Great Depression. The third projected sequel in the series, 1944 , brings the fortunes of the Dutton family and their ranch closer to recent history, although no cast has yet been announced. 6666 is envisioned as a standalone series that - unlike the others - doesn’t focus on the Duttons. Founded when the Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the west than the 6666, also known as the Four Sixes. We’ve seen glimpses of the iconic ranch in Season 4 of Yellowstone , as well as through Jimmy’s POV in the first half of Season 5. The Madison : Originally set to star Matthew McConaughey, he has since left the project, and Michelle Pfeiffer will now take the lead. The show will apparently act as a sequel to Yellowstone , set in the present day, following a New York family who settle close to the Duttons. Lawmen: Bass Reeves : A standalone miniseries starring David Oyelowo as the titular lawman, the story is based on the life of the first African American deputy US Marshal, west of the Mississippi River, who allegedly captured over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. Also featuring Dennis Quaid and the late Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren - focused on an intervening generation of

Grimes’ dreamy cowboy Kayce Dutton, who follows his heart to marry a local Native American girl. Joined by an excellent ensemble cast, the show was as popular as it could get. After years spent filming on the breathtaking plains of Montana and Utah, surrounded by cattle and horses, Costner’s inner cowboy was reawakened. His 1991 western Dances with Wolves had earned seven Oscars, and after 2003’s Open

landowners to build an airport - isn't backing down. They've called in reinforcements to dismantle the Dutton empire. But fans shouldn't despair at the series coming to an end in the forthcoming Season 5, Part 2, because series creator Taylor Sheridan has created a sprawling Yellowstone

• Yellowstone: Season 5 - Part 1 is out Nov 6

universe consisting of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs.

WHO IS TAYLOR SHERIDAN?

Sheridan, 54, began his career as an actor on shows Veronica Mars and Walker, Texas Ranger , his most notable role being as David Hale on Sons of Anarchy . But, after deciding to try his hand at writing, he made his

splashy debut as a screenwriter on Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario (2015), receiving multiple award nominations. Going on to write the sequel to Sicario , he was Oscar-nominated for 'Best Original Screenplay' for

Hell or High Water (2016). Also co-creating

crime thriller series Mayor of Kingstown and Tulsa King , his greatest success has been with the Yellowstone franchise.

JUST ANNOUNCED! LANDMAN , starring Billy Bob Thornton

Donald Sutherland, the show was executive-produced by Sheridan.

12 NOVEMBER 2024

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