“Hollywood Icon Joins ‘Yellowstone’ Sequel, Set to Make Everyone Forget About Kevin Costner”
Move Over Kevin Costner—Kurt Russell Steps Into the Yellowstone Universe
Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone left a major void in Taylor Sheridan’s hit franchise, but that may soon be forgotten thanks to a new Hollywood legend stepping in. Screen icon Kurt Russell has officially joined the cast of The Madison, a new Yellowstone spinoff poised to shake up the Sheridanverse in a big way.
Costner, who helped launch Yellowstone to success when it premiered in 2018, was a central figure on the show until Season 5. However, a mix of scheduling conflicts with his Horizon film series, contract disputes, and creative differences led to his early departure from the franchise.
Enter Kurt Russell.
Set in Montana’s scenic Madison River Valley, The Madison is described as “a heartfelt study of grief and human connection following a New York City family.” While details on Russell’s character are still under wraps, it’s confirmed he’ll be playing the husband of Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, who was previously announced as the show’s lead.
Despite a long and successful film career, The Madison marks only the second major TV role for the 74-year-old actor since the 1970s. His first came in the 1976 Western series The Quest, followed by an Emmy-winning turn as Elvis in the 1979 TV movie. Russell returned to television more recently in Apple TV+’s Monarch: Legacy of Monsters. On the big screen, he’s known for iconic roles in Escape from New York, The Thing, Tombstone, Bone Tomahawk, and The Hateful Eight—making him a perfect fit for Sheridan’s modern Western world.
Who Else Is in The Madison and When Does It Premiere?
Joining Russell and Pfeiffer is a strong ensemble cast that includes Patrick J. Adams (Suits), Elle Chapman, Matthew Fox (LOST, Party of Five), Beau Garrett (Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, Tron: Legacy), Amiah Miller (War for the Planet of the Apes), Alaina Pollack, Ben Schnetzer (Pride, Y: The Last Man), Rebecca Spence (Contagion, Candyman), Danielle Vasinova, and Kevin Zegers (Gossip Girl, Fear the Walking Dead).
Behind the camera is director Christina Alexandra Voros, who previously collaborated with Sheridan on Lawman: Bass Reeves. Filming for The Madison began in September 2024 and wrapped in December. While an official release date on Paramount+ hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s expected to premiere either later in 2025 or in early 2026.
In fact, the studio has so much confidence in the show that a second season is reportedly in early planning stages—even before Season 1 has aired.
More Yellowstone Content on the Horizon
In addition to The Madison, another Yellowstone spinoff is in development, this one centered around fan-favorite characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. That series recently added Oscar nominees Annette Bening and Ed Harris to its cast.
