“Yellowstone Reveals Kevin Costner’s Replacement After 3-Year Wait”
Three Years After Kevin Costner’s Final Episode, Yellowstone Finally Finds His Replacement
It’s been three years since Kevin Costner’s final appearance in Yellowstone, and the search for his successor has finally come to an end. Despite his early exit from Taylor Sheridan’s critically acclaimed Western series, Costner has remained the symbolic face of the franchise, largely thanks to his unforgettable portrayal of John Dutton — the tough, principled patriarch of the Dutton family. His absence created a void that few could hope to fill.
While Sheridan has enlisted stars like Billy Bob Thornton and Harrison Ford to lead other series within the Yellowstone universe, none have quite captured the same cultural impact as Costner’s John Dutton. A Hollywood legend, Costner brought gravitas and star power to the role, turning Yellowstone into one of the most-watched dramas on television.
Kurt Russell Steps In As Yellowstone’s New Leading Man
Now, veteran actor Kurt Russell is set to take the reins. According to recent reports, Russell has joined the cast of The Madison, an upcoming Yellowstone spinoff series scheduled to premiere in 2026. He joins a star-studded lineup that already includes Michelle Pfeiffer (Scarface), Matthew Fox (Lost), and Patrick J. Adams (Suits).
If there’s anyone who can match Kevin Costner’s presence and appeal in the Western genre, it’s Kurt Russell. With iconic roles in films like Escape from New York, Tombstone, and Bone Tomahawk, Russell has long been a fan-favorite among Western and action enthusiasts. At 74, he’s still delivering top-tier performances, most recently in Apple TV+’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.
Interestingly, Russell and Costner once shared the same role — both portrayed legendary lawman Wyatt Earp in separate films released just a year apart. Russell starred in Tombstone (1993), while Costner took on the role in Wyatt Earp (1994). Though Costner’s version didn’t resonate as strongly at the box office, it’s a fascinating crossover in their careers that adds another layer of intrigue to Russell’s casting.
When Will Kurt Russell Appear in the Yellowstone Universe?
While Russell’s casting in The Madison is confirmed, the details surrounding his debut remain vague. Season 1 of The Madison reportedly finished filming in January 2025 and is set for an early 2026 release. However, since Russell wasn’t listed in the initial season’s main cast, it’s unlikely he’ll appear prominently — if at all — in the first season.
That said, The Madison has already been renewed for a second season, which begins filming in Fall 2025. It’s expected that Russell will make his franchise debut in this upcoming season, potentially premiering in late 2026 or early 2027.
With Kurt Russell stepping into the spotlight, the Yellowstone universe may finally have found a worthy successor to Kevin Costner — and fans are eager to see what he brings to the next chapter of the Dutton saga.
