Paramount’s acclaimed Yellowstone series could be facing abrupt cancellation after season 5, reportedly due to a shooting schedule conflict with lead star Kevin Costner. News has emerged that a new spin-off is in the works to continue the ongoing story exploring the Duttons’ rancher life in Montana. But fans of the series are shocked and intrigued by reports stating that Matthew McConaughey could potentially take over as the main star in Costner’s place.

It looks like Taylor Sheridan‘s plans to expand the Yellowstone universe could be mapped out without the continuation of the original show starring Costner. Going by Deadline‘s report, Yellowstone season 5 would be the last but its story would extend out possibly into a new series starring a few of the original cast members.

While Netflix juggles with shows like Stranger Things catering to Gen-Z, Paramount’s Yellowstone series has slowly built a fanbase of Zoomers with its soap opera-style neo-western narrative. In fact, the series gained the spotlight at the 2023 Golden Globes after Costner bagged the best television actor in the drama series category.

Yellowstone fans are divided over Matthew McConaughey taking over as lead after Kevin Costner’s rumored exit

Deadline’s sources claim that Costner’s proposal was declined, a deal which stated that the actor would only spend a week filming the drama. Kevin Costner has also been busy developing his own western epic, Horizon, for Warner Bros. which will be released as four movies.

While fans are displeased by the rumors of Costner possibly exiting, there also appears to be a new demographic that could be roped into watching the series if McConaughey is on board. Readers can check it out in the reactions below.

McConaughey leading is a new Yellowstone storyline is a big win. https://t.co/LK6jxv8Ows

— Walt (@Uber_Kryptonian) February 6, 2023

This IS NOT the way. I LOVE @Yellowstone because of the characters and their stories. #TaylorSheridan is very talented as a writer but the actors who bring these characters to life are why we watch. Matthew McConaughey IS NOT a replacement for Kevin Costner. 🤐 https://t.co/cXOx9yJce1 pic.twitter.com/NrXPiHwOwT

— Audrey Caylor~TRUST NO ONE 🍊🐝 (@C6E_MUSIC) February 6, 2023

Interesting https://t.co/cm2XijhWz9

— Erick Jones (@SoulArtist247) February 7, 2023

SO THIS SUMMER COULD BE THE END OF KEVIN COSTNER’S YELLOWSTONE?!? 😫😫😫😫 https://t.co/8ZGAgzrfGJ

— Melissa (@melissax1125) February 6, 2023

This has ruined my day. https://t.co/hLkdU3aIRA

— Chad Hedrick (@ChadHedrickWKYT) February 6, 2023

just got hooked and now this https://t.co/1U6g6fPykW

— Corinna (@stegibs) February 6, 2023

This tracks. My understanding is initially Costner's contract only went through episode 1 of season 3 (or maybe s4, can't recall for sure). Assuming they backed up the Brinks truck to get him to extend. https://t.co/IzyIkL72AS

— Rob Owen (@RobOwenTV) February 6, 2023

Yellowstone cancelled
pic.twitter.com/3QJxGFKvWx

— Pug🐾 🐛 🥫 (@pugmane) February 6, 2023

Replacing Kevin Costner as John Yellowstone with MMcC as a new character is a bad idea. Every time a show loses the lead and tries to replace him, it’s a disaster — see X-Files, Walking Dead, The Office, and Billions https://t.co/yqS6rptHnb

— Sherman McCoy (@wasphyxiation) February 6, 2023

What is the Damm point of ever giving any show a proper conclusion if you just plan to make what will mostlikely be the same thing again! https://t.co/Z9DuvoRrR4

— CYBERMASTER (@CyberMaster2020) February 6, 2023

I'm 🤯 https://t.co/bCS4Jr0hu1

— 𝓲𝓼𝓷𝓽𝓭𝓪𝓿𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓮 🫶 (@IsntDaveOne) February 6, 2023

Um.. how about no. https://t.co/HXndM47O93

— MrMerica (@MrMerica_716) February 6, 2023

but I just got here!! https://t.co/XyYu9sraYC

— tiana (@tianondra) February 6, 2023

Wait what!?!! This show is so good and it’s very popular so why end it already?!? https://t.co/dKTrnmjcLu

— W. (@mickeygallxv1ch) February 6, 2023

I’m def watching now https://t.co/iAlkdyDcYL

— cuy (@Heisehnberg) February 6, 2023

Only acceptable if they keep the rest of the cast. It must be gutting for them to lose this show because Costner has other priorities (which is of course fair enough, but gutting nonetheless) I'm not ready to let go of Kayce, Beth and Rip 😭😭😭 https://t.co/qVUOzgnVmV

— Nikki Bellerby (@nikkibellerby) February 7, 2023

While Costner’s character remains the essence of the Dutton family, it should be noted that the series’ regulars Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley and Gil Birmingham are all a big part of the universe, each capable of playing a pivotal part in a spin-off.

The release date for Yellowstone season 5 part 2 is still TBA with no word yet if filming has begun, as of this writing. Meanwhile, fans have their eyes set on the Harrison Ford starrer 1923, a prequel series on the Duttons that has already been renewed for season 2.