Paramount Network Head Spoke Out About Matthew McConaughey's Role on 'Yellowstone'

Yellowstone fans have been on a wild ride since the first half of season 5 wrapped up in January. There have been rumors swirling about the show's star, Kevin Costner, leaving, and more talk about Hollywood icon Matthew McConaughey joining the Yellowstone universe in some way. Here's what we know about the situation so far.

After Deadline's initial report that, according to sources, Costner was leaving the show, Paramount Network released an official statement, saying, in part, "We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that's the case for a long time to come. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we'd love to partner."

Chris McCarthy, the head of Paramount Media Networks, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that McConaughey is lined up to star in a Yellowstone extension, regardless of what happens with Kevin Costner's character. It is one of 10 Taylor Sheridan-led projects that McCarthy is working on for Paramount. So, no, McConaughey isn't replacing Costner on Yellowstone.

According to People, a source close to the situation said that McConaughey and Taylor Sheridan have been looking to join up for a project. "Matthew and Taylor are fans of each other's work and have been speaking about ways they can work together," the source said.

The show's stars have spoken out on the news. Josh Lucas, who portrays John Dutton in flashbacks, talked to Entertainment Tonight about McConaughey's involvement. He said, "I'm sure [Sheridan] has great ideas for how these characters merge together. Part of it is the mystery of the mind of that creator...bring it on." In an interview with E! News, Wendy Moniz, who plays Senator Lynelle Perry, said, "When I heard it, I was like, 'Of course, that makes sense. [McConaughey is] built for it in every way.'" Mo Brings Plenty told E!, "First of all, he's from Texas. He got that good Western swagger. You can't go wrong with that."

Paramount Network has not made an official statement on McConaughey's involvement or what the project will be, and McConaughey himself has remained tight-lipped on the situation. The second half of season 5 is scheduled to resume in the summer, but filming has not yet resumed.

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