Paramount Network's neo-western Yellowstone has proven to be a big hit for the network, and it was announced earlier this year that series co-creator Taylor Sheridan was developing a prequel. It was reported today that Paramount+ and MTV Entertainment Studios have tapped Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill to star in 1883, the Yellowstone prequel.
1883 will follow the Dutton family as "they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America's promised land – Montana." Sam Elliott will play Shea Brennan, "a tough as nails, handsome cowboy with immense sadness in his past. He has the herculean task of guiding a group from Texas to Montana, and he does not suffer fools." Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will play James and Margaret Dutton, the patriarch and matriarch of the Dutton family.
"It all starts with the writing, and Taylor Sheridan is a brilliant writer,” said Sam Elliott in a statement. "I think the western genre speaks clearly to both of us. The classic struggles of man against man, man against nature, and man against himself. It’s all there, in 1883, and I’m honored to be a part of it." Tim McGraw added, "This is truly a dream job. Taylor has found a way of storytelling that brilliantly creates these epic dramas and family sagas with so much depth and creativity. The Duttons are tremendous characters and it’s so thrilling to be able to bring them to life. As a kid growing up riding horses, you think about dream jobs like this and I am just so excited to work with this amazing cast and crew." Faith Hill went on to say that starring in 1883 is "the opportunity of a lifetime. The Duttons are a formidable family and it is an absolute dream to bring such a strong female character like Margaret Dutton to life. I am humbled and honored to work with Taylor and his entire team." The fourth season of Yellowstone has been delayed due to COVID-19, but the network is said to be looking at a November premiere.