Yellowstone fans, buckle up: the next chapter in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding television universe is about to take a bold new turn. On September 10, 2025, it was announced that none other than Kurt Russell—a legend in the world of Westerns—has joined the cast of The Madison, the latest spinoff in the Yellowstone saga. This news, reported by Deadline and Variety, has injected a fresh wave of excitement into a franchise that, by all accounts, shows no signs of slowing down.
For those keeping score, Yellowstone began in 2018 and quickly became one of the most successful drama series of its era. Its five-season run, overseen by creator Taylor Sheridan, followed the Dutton family’s fierce battle to protect their sprawling Montana ranch. Even after the abrupt departure of Kevin Costner and the show’s finale in 2024, the Yellowstone universe has only grown, spawning prequels like 1883 and 1923, and now, a whole host of new spinoffs.
The Madison, set to premiere in 2026, is shaping up to be the most ambitious of these new projects. At its heart is the McIntosh family, a wealthy brood originally from New York City, who relocate to the Madison River Valley in central Montana after a devastating loss. Michelle Pfeiffer stars as Stacy Clyburn, the family’s matriarch, whose world is upended when her husband is tragically killed. According to Variety, Pfeiffer is not only starring but also executive producing the series, adding even more star power to the project.
But it’s the addition of Kurt Russell that’s really turning heads. While details about his character remain under wraps, sources have hinted that Russell may be playing Stacy’s late husband—either in flashbacks or perhaps as a more complex figure. Alternatively, he could be cast against type as a villain, a tantalizing prospect for fans of his work in films like Tombstone, The Hateful Eight, and Bone Tomahawk. Russell’s Western credentials are practically unmatched; he’s played lawmen, outlaws, and everything in between, and his presence in The Madison feels both natural and electrifying.
“Russell is certainly no stranger to the rough-and-tumble world of Westerns, so his involvement in Sheridan’s growing television universe feels both exciting and completely natural,” wrote Deadline. Indeed, there’s something about Russell’s mix of gravitas and warmth that makes him a perfect fit for the genre, whether he’s battling outlaws or wrestling with the moral complexities of frontier justice. Yet, The Madison promises to be a different kind of Western—one set in the present day, with a quieter, more heartfelt focus on grief and human connection. As Deadline described it, the series is “a heartfelt exploration of grief and the human connection,” hinting at a tone distinct from the often-brutal frontier living depicted in Yellowstone and its prequels.
The Madison also marks a significant shift in the franchise’s narrative focus. For the first time, a Yellowstone spinoff will center on a family other than the Duttons. This fresh perspective could be just what the franchise needs to keep longtime viewers engaged and attract new fans. As CBR observed, “The Madison marks the first installment of the franchise to move beyond the horizons of a single family and tell an entirely new story set in the same world.” While this is a risk, it’s one that could pay off handsomely, especially with Taylor Sheridan himself serving as showrunner and head writer.
Sheridan’s creative vision has always been the real draw for Yellowstone fans, as evidenced by the success of his other series like Landman and Mayor of Kingstown. If he can craft a compelling narrative with lovable, complex characters in The Madison, the spinoff could easily become the franchise’s new flagship series. The show’s cast is stacked with talent, featuring not only Pfeiffer and Russell but also Matthew Fox (of Lost fame), Patrick J. Adams (Suits), and a roster of up-and-coming actors including Amiah Miller, Beau Garrett, Ben Schnetzer, Kevin Zegers, and Rebecca Spence.
So, what can viewers expect from The Madison? While the general premise is public, much of the plot is still shrouded in mystery. The McIntosh family’s move to rural Montana sets the stage for new adventures and fresh conflicts, as they face off against “diabolical opponents” and navigate the aftermath of personal tragedy. There’s also the tantalizing possibility that familiar faces from Yellowstone could appear—characters like Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, Kayce Dutton, and Thomas Rainwater are all still active in the larger universe, and cameos aren’t out of the question.
The Madison’s connection to the Yellowstone timeline adds another layer of intrigue. The series could explore the fallout from Yellowstone’s explosive final season, which saw the assassination of Montana’s governor, the upheaval of a powerful dynasty, and the return of the Dutton family ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. As the Clyburns settle into their new home, they—and the audience—may find themselves catching up on the drama that has defined this corner of Montana for years.
Of course, The Madison is just one of several spinoffs in the pipeline. Also set to premiere in 2026 are Dutton Ranch, which follows Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton as they establish a new ranch, and Y: Marshals, a procedural series starring Kayce Dutton as a U.S. Marshal. There’s also 6666, centered on the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, and 1944, a historical drama bridging the gap between 1923 and the original Yellowstone series. Each of these projects promises to expand the Yellowstone universe in new and exciting directions, but The Madison stands out for its willingness to break the mold.
As Yellowstone’s legacy continues to grow, The Madison could be the series that defines the next era of Sheridan’s storytelling. With a powerhouse cast, a fresh narrative focus, and Sheridan’s steady hand at the helm, the show is poised to become the new centerpiece of a franchise that has already captivated millions. Whether you’re a die-hard Yellowstone devotee or a newcomer looking for a way in, The Madison promises a story worth watching.
For now, all eyes are on 2026, when The Madison makes its debut. Until then, fans can revisit the original Yellowstone on Peacock, or catch up on 1883 and 1923 streaming on Paramount+. The saga continues—and with Kurt Russell riding into town, it’s about to get even more interesting.
