The Yellowstone universe is about to expand once again, and this time it’s bringing some serious star power. The Madison is the highly anticipated sequel series that will be the first official spinoff to carry the Yellowstone legacy forward on television. And it’s not just any addition—it unites two Hollywood legends, Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer, in a story that promises to be unlike anything we’ve seen from Taylor Sheridan’s world so far.

Fans have speculated for years that Kurt Russell might join Sheridan’s western empire, and now it’s finally happening. But if you’re expecting him to show up as a Dutton, prepare to be surprised. Russell’s role isn’t tied to the Yellowstone ranching dynasty at all. Instead, The Madison introduces a completely new story set against the rugged backdrop of Montana, one that’s focused less on cattle wars and land disputes and more on family, grief, and human resilience.

Interestingly, this series had a very different working title in its early development. Initially called 2024, the project’s name has since shifted—understandably so, given that we’re well into 2025 and the old title lost its relevance. The new name, The Madison, references Montana’s Madison River Valley, where the story unfolds. This shift in title reflects the show’s tone, too. It’s not about dynastic feuds or power struggles but about the emotional journey of a wealthy New York family uprooting their lives and trying to adjust to rural Montana. The land doesn’t care about money or privilege, and these characters will have to learn that lesson the hard way.

So, let’s talk about Kurt Russell’s role—because it comes with a twist. He plays the husband of Michelle Pfeiffer’s character, Stacy Klyburn. It sounds like a dream pairing: two screen icons portraying a married couple navigating life’s biggest challenges. But here’s the heartbreaking catch—Russell’s character dies before the family even makes their move. The first episode reportedly begins with his death and funeral, setting the emotional foundation for everything that follows. Grief isn’t just a theme—it’s the catalyst for the entire series.

Of course, Russell’s presence won’t vanish completely. We’ll still see him in flashbacks, in tender conversations with Stacy, and even in dreamlike sequences where Michelle Pfeiffer’s character imagines him still by her side. The premiere’s closing moments will reportedly show Stacy envisioning her late husband as she and her daughters finally settle into their new Montana home—a hauntingly bittersweet start to this chapter of the Yellowstone saga.

Now, rumors are swirling that this new Montana home might actually be none other than the legendary Yellowstone Ranch itself. While the ranch land officially belongs to the reservation, whispers suggest the Dutton house could be rented out to the Klyburn family. It’s far from confirmed, but if true, it would give fans the chance to revisit one of television’s most iconic settings while introducing new characters and stories.

Casting-wise, The Madison is stacked with talent beyond Russell and Pfeiffer. Michelle Pfeiffer’s Stacy Klyburn is the matriarch trying to hold her family together. She’s the mother of two daughters, each bringing their own struggles into this new environment. Bo Garrett plays Abigail Reese, Stacy’s eldest daughter, a divorced New Yorker with two children who’s desperate for a fresh start. She’s a character straddling the line between past mistakes and future hopes, all while adjusting to a lifestyle worlds away from Manhattan.

On the other hand, Paige Mintosh, played by El Chapman, has lived a spoiled city existence. Now thrust into Montana’s stark reality, she faces a jarring cultural clash. Her husband, Russell Mintosh, portrayed by Suits alum Patrick J. Adams, is an investment banker who has always played life by the rules. But Montana is about to turn his worldview upside down, challenging him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about success, stability, and family.

Abigail’s daughters also have pivotal roles. Amaya Miller takes on Bridget Reese, the eldest child caught in the tug-of-war between her mother’s struggles and her own search for identity. Elena Pollock plays Macy Reese, the youngest, who must navigate the transition from privileged city living to the unfamiliar rhythms of rural Montana.

And then there’s Matthew Fox, making a highly buzzed-about return to television. He plays Paul, a bachelor deeply connected to the Montana land. He becomes both a guide and mentor to the family as they adapt to their new world. Some rumors suggest he could evolve into a love interest for Pfeiffer’s Stacy Klyburn. It’s an intriguing possibility—though it’s hard for fans to imagine anyone stepping into the emotional space left by Russell’s character. Still, Fox’s casting is deliberate, and his presence might introduce a romantic subplot that complicates Stacy’s journey of grief and renewal.

Behind the scenes, The Madison is backed by the same creative DNA that made Yellowstone a global phenomenon. Taylor Sheridan is, of course, at the helm, joined by executive producers David C. Glasser, John and Art Linson, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and others. Both Kurt Russell and Michelle Pfeiffer are also serving as producers, ensuring their influence extends beyond just their performances. With Paramount Television Studios, 101 Studios, and Bosque Ranch Productions on board, fans can rest assured that the visual and storytelling quality will remain consistent with the Yellowstone brand.

What makes this project particularly fascinating is how it departs from Yellowstone while still feeling connected to its spirit. The Duttons may not be present, but the setting of Montana itself serves as a character—unyielding, beautiful, and indifferent to human struggles. By focusing on grief, family bonds, and the clash between urban wealth and rural survival, The Madison promises a deeply emotional narrative that could stand apart from the high-stakes politics and ranch wars that defined Yellowstone.

And, of course, Kurt Russell’s casting adds undeniable weight to the project. His legacy in westerns is unmatched—from Tombstone to The Hateful Eight, Bone Tomahawk, and even his early TV work on Gunsmoke and The Virginian. Add in his decades of Hollywood experience, and it’s clear why Sheridan wanted him in this universe. While his character’s presence may be limited to flashbacks and memory sequences, his influence on the story will be immense.

Michelle Pfeiffer, meanwhile, is set to carry the emotional core of the series. Her Stacy Klyburn isn’t just a grieving widow but a mother and leader who must hold her fractured family together in an environment that tests them at every turn. With Pfeiffer’s track record of powerful, layered performances, there’s little doubt she’ll deliver one of the most compelling characters in Sheridan’s growing franchise.

The wait for The Madison won’t be long. Paramount has confirmed that the series is expected to premiere before the end of the year, meaning fans will soon have a brand-new chapter of the Yellowstone world to dive into. While it may not center on the Duttons, it promises the same blend of grit, heart, and sweeping Montana landscapes that drew viewers to the original.

For Yellowstone fans, The Madison represents both continuity and change. It’s a chance to explore a different kind of story within the same world—one that prioritizes emotional depth and character development over power struggles. With Pfeiffer and Russell leading the cast, and Sheridan’s proven storytelling vision guiding the way, the stage is set for a sequel that could carve out its own legacy in television history.