The rumors had been swirling around the Montana dirt for months, but honestly, nobody really knew if Kurt Russell would actually pull the trigger on a TV role. Well, he did. In September 2025, the news finally broke that the man behind Wyatt Earp and Snake Plissken is officially joining the Yellowstone universe in the upcoming spinoff, The Madison.
It’s a massive get for Taylor Sheridan. After the messy exit of Kevin Costner from the original flagship series, the franchise needed a heavyweight to anchor the next era. They found it in Russell. He’s not just a "guest star" either. He’s set as a series regular alongside the legendary Michelle Pfeiffer.
Who’s actually in The Madison cast?
Forget the Duttons for a second. The Madison is carving out its own space in the Madison River Valley. The story follows the McIntosh family, a group of wealthy New Yorkers who trade skyscrapers for Big Sky country after a massive family tragedy. It’s basically a study on grief, but with Sheridan’s trademark grit and high stakes.
The cast list is honestly stacked. Take a look:
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- Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn: The matriarch and the literal anchor of the show. She’s also an executive producer.
- Kurt Russell: While Paramount is playing coy with his specific character name, insiders say he’s playing Stacy’s husband.
- Patrick J. Adams: You know him from Suits. He’s playing Russell McIntosh, an investment banker married into the family.
- Matthew Fox: The Lost star is making a big return here as Paul, a rugged bachelor who basically lives for the outdoors.
- Elle Chapman and Beau Garrett: They play Stacy’s daughters, Paige and Abigail. Paige is a bit of a self-centered New Yorker, while Abigail is the sardonic, recently divorced sister.
It’s a weird mix of actors, right? You’ve got a Disney legend, a Catwoman, an investment banker from Suits, and the guy from Lost. But that’s the Sheridan magic. He likes to pull people from different eras and throw them into the mud.
The Kurt Russell Yellowstone spinoff cast timeline
There was a lot of confusion about whether Russell was even doing this. Back in early 2024, everyone thought Matthew McConaughey was going to be the guy. Those talks eventually fizzled out as the project morphed from a direct Yellowstone sequel into this new "McIntosh family" story.
Then came August 2024. Pfeiffer was confirmed. A month later, the rest of the main group joined. But Russell? He was the final piece of the puzzle. His casting wasn't made official until about a year after the show started production.
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The wildest part? According to cast member Elle Chapman’s social media, they’ve already finished filming Season 2. Yeah, you read that right. As of January 2026, the show hasn't even premiered yet, but they’ve already got two seasons in the can. That’s some serious confidence from Paramount+.
What most people get wrong about the spinoff
A lot of fans keep asking when Rip or Beth are going to show up. Kinda gotta burst that bubble: The Madison isn't about the Duttons.
It’s set in the same world, sure. You might see a familiar face at a livestock auction or hear a name mentioned at a bar, but this is a fresh start. If you want the Duttons, you’re looking for the other spinoffs like Y: Marshals (starring Luke Grimes) or the Beth and Rip show currently nicknamed Dutton Ranch.
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The Madison is aiming for something a bit more emotional. It’s less "don't touch my land" and more "how do we survive each other after everything falls apart?"
When and where to watch
Expect The Madison to land on Paramount+ sometime in 2026. A recent sizzle reel narrated by Helen Mirren (who’s busy with her own 1923 duties) confirmed the 2026 window.
If you're trying to keep track of the Yellowstone universe, here’s the quick reality check:
- Yellowstone (The original): Done. Costner is out.
- The Madison: Premieres 2026 with Russell and Pfeiffer.
- Y: Marshals: Premieres March 2026 on CBS with Kayce Dutton.
- 1944: The next prequel, still in the works.
With Kurt Russell finally back in the saddle, the franchise feels like it’s found its footing again. He brings a certain gravitas that few actors can match, especially in a Western setting. Whether he’s playing a ghost from Stacy’s past in flashbacks or a very much alive husband dealing with the Montana elements, he’s exactly what this universe needs.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch the 2026 Sizzle Reel: Look for the Paramount+ 2026 preview for the first tiny glimpses of Pfeiffer and Russell in character.
- Track the Release: Since Season 2 is already filmed, expect a very short gap between the first and second seasons once the show actually starts airing.
- Check Out "Tombstone" and "Bone Tomahawk": If you want to see why Russell is the perfect fit for a Sheridan show, watch these two films to see his range from heroic lawman to gritty survivalist.