Paramount Media Networks CEO Chris McCarthy has confirmed reports of a Yellowstone

spinoff starring Matthew McConaughey, revealing that it could air alongside the mothership

series if Kevin Costner remains with the franchise.

In an extensive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, McCarthy briefly touched on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding Yellowstone, which has halted production on Season 5B. While he didn’t have much to share, he noted that Yellowstone — currently the most-watched series across cable and broadcast — “wouldn’t be what it is today without Kevin and we hope that that stays for a long time to come.” He also confirmed previous reports stating that McConaughey was in talks to lead a Yellowstone spinoff series, which could replace the original show if Costner chose to leave the franchise. However, McCarthy shared that the McConaughey-led Yellowstone extension could co-exist with the original series if Costner stays onboard.

RELATED:Yellowstone Star Responds To Kevin Costner Drama Reports Amid Cancellation Rumors

The ongoing Yellowstone drama was first reported at the start of February 2023 and concerned Costner’s requests for a shortened filming window. Several sources close to Yellowstone‘s production also reported that the show’s cast and crew had been frustrated by Costner’s ego and unavailability for a few years now. All of this has led to production on Yellowstone Season 5B being pushed back to an undisclosed date. The neo-Western was originally scheduled to return with new episodes on Paramount Network this summer, but with production on the final six episodes indefinitely delayed, it will be a while before fans see the Dutton family back on their living room screens.

Costner’s Lawyer Debunks Yellowstone Reports
While Paramount has publicly shied away from confirming or denying the reports, Costner’s litigator Marty Singer has slammed the claims, calling them “an absolute lie” and “ridiculous.” He explained that “everyone who knows anything about Kevin is well aware, he is incredibly passionate about the show and has always gone way above and beyond to ensure its success.” Costner recently won the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for playing patriarch John Dutton in Yellowstone Season 4. He also stands to earn $1.5 million per episode if the show gets renewed for a sixth season.RELATED:A 1923 Fan Theory Suggests A Surprising New Parentage For Jamie DuttonWhat’s Next for the Yellowstone Franchise?
Besides the McConaughey spinoff, which could potentially feature characters from the original series, Paramount and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan have several extensions planned for the franchise. First up is another season of 1923, starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, on Paramount+. Filming has also commenced on Bass Reeves, a Yellowstone prequel set in the 1880s centered around the first black Deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves, played by David Oyelowo. Sheridan is also in development on 6666, set in the present day on the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas.

Yellowstone Season 5 premiered on Paramount Network on Nov. 13, 2022. No release date for the season half of the season has been announced.