New Taylor Sheridan Series 'Lawmen: Bass Reeves' Drops Official Trailer and New Images

Lawmen: Bass Reeves

How big can Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone universe get? Previously named 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, the upcoming series title was shortened to Bass Reeves. It has since gone through another change that we hope will stick. The new series will be called Lawmen: Bass Reeves. The limited series will tell the real-life history of Bass Reeves, a legendary lawman who may have been the inspiration for the Lone Ranger! With the title change, the limited series is now said to be an anthology series and future "seasons" would explore other legendary lawmen.

Here's what we know so far about Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

What is Lawmen: Bass Reeves about?

Created by Chad Feehan, Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a 6-episode limited series about Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Taylor Sheridan serves as an executive producer.

Is Lawmen: Bass Reeves a spinoff of 1883?

Technically, no. Bass Reeves did serve as a peace officer during the late 1800s. The previous title, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story may have been confusing to some. While the series is not a spinoff of 1883, the series will take place in the same era.

Related: Taylor Sheridan Changes the Theme and Era of the Harrison Ford/Helen Mirren series, 1923

Is Bass Reeves a real person?

Yes! Bass Reeves was the first black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi River. During his career he recorded over 3,000 arrests and killed 14 people in self-defense. Born into slavery, Reeves became a free man in his late 20s after the 13th amendment abolishing slavery went into effect. He spent time in Indian territory and learned several Native languages. It was his knowledge of the area and language skills that led a U.S. Marshal to recruit him.

Who stars in Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

David Oyelowo (Bass Reeves)

David Oyelowo, the first cast member revealed for this limited series, will portray the legendary lawman, Bass Reeves.

Oyelowo portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma. He has also appeared in Jack Reacher, Lincoln and The Help. On TV, he has had series regular roles on MI-5 (Spooks) and the BBC miniseries, Les Miserables.

Dennis Quaid (Deputy U.S. Marshal Sherrill Lynn)

Dennis Quaid joins the cast of Bass Reeves as U.S. Marshal Sherrill Lynn. In his Instagram post announcing his casting, Quaid said of the real Bass Reeves: "Reeves was known as the greatest frontier hero in American history and also believed to be the inspiration for 'The Lone Ranger.' He worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded."

Quaid most recently voiced the character of Jaeger Clade in Disney's animated film, Strange World. He is best known for his roles in The Big Easy, Wyatt Earp and The Parent Trap.

Barry Pepper (Esau Pierce)

Barry Pepper joins the cast as Esau Pierce. According to Variety, Pierce is said to be, "the leader of the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles and a battle tested warrior."

Pepper's previous credits include Saving Private Ryan, 61, The Green Mile and True Grit.

Donald Sutherland (Judge Isaac Parker)

Donald Sutherland joins the cast in a recurring role as Judge Parker. His character is described as "an imposing and commanding judge in the Fort Smith Courthouse with a complicated legacy."

Sutherland has had a storied career with memorable roles in Ordinary People, The Dirty Dozen and M*A*S*H. In recent years, he was Mr. Bennett in Pride and Prejudice with Kiera Knightley as Elizabeth Bennett and President Snow in The Hunger Games films.

Forrest Goodluck (Billy Crow)

Lauren E. Banks (Jennie Reeves)

Demi Singleton (Sally Reeves)

Shea Whigham (George Reeves)

How many episodes will there be for Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

There will be six episodes in Bass Reeves.

Will there be a season 2 of Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

It's unlikely. Lawmen: Bass Reeves was envisioned as one season of an anthology series. Future "seasons" might follow the lives of other legendary lawmen.

Related: Everything We Know About 'More Episodes' of the Yellowstone prequel series, 1883

Who will direct the pilot of Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

Taylor Sheridan was so impressed with the script for Bass Reeves that Oyelowo was able to easily convince him to get behind the camera on the series. “The reality is that [Sheridan] is one of the best directors on the planet,” Oyelowo said in an interview with Deadline. Sheridan directs the first two episodes.

Related: Yellowstone Adds New Cast Members! Here's Everything We Know About Season 5

Has Lawmen: Bass Reeves begun filming?

The limited series began filming in January 2023 and has since wrapped.

Where did Lawmen: Bass Reeves film?

Bass Reeves filmed in Forth Worth, Texas and the surrounding areas.

When will Lawmen: Bass Reeves premiere?

Lawmen: Bass Reeves will premiere on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023 on Paramount+.

Where can I watch Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

Bass Reeves will stream exclusively on Paramount+.

Is there a trailer for Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

Yes! An official trailer was dropped ahead of the show's November premiere. Check it out along with the previous teaser trailers and first look images below.

View the 27 images of this gallery on the original article

Next: The Complete List of Every Taylor Sheridan Paramount Series