Back in the Saddle

It’s official — The Madison, the newest addition to Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Yellowstone universe, is finally rolling cameras. Hollywood icon Michelle Pfeiffer confirmed that filming has begun on the highly anticipated spin-off by sharing a star-studded behind-the-scenes photo on Instagram.

“Back in the saddle on The Madison,” Pfeiffer wrote, alongside a photo featuring an impressive ensemble that includes Kurt Russell, Suits star Patrick J. Adams, Gossip Girl alum Kevin Zegers, Amiah Miller, Ben Schnetzer, and newcomer Elle Chapman.

The announcement sent fans into overdrive, flooding the comments with excitement. “I’m so excited for this series — what an incredible cast!” one user gushed, while another added: “Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell together again? This is everything!” The pair famously shared the screen in the 1988 romance thriller Tequila Sunrise, making their reunion even more nostalgic for longtime movie fans.

A New Chapter for Sheridan’s Western Empire

Following the controversial cancellation of Yellowstone after five seasons, creator Taylor Sheridan has been hard at work expanding the universe that began with the Dutton family saga. The Madison marks a major shift — serving as a modern-day sequel rather than a historical prequel like 1883 and 1923.

According to Paramount, the series will follow a New York family who relocates to Montana’s Madison River Valley, where they’re forced to confront loss, resilience, and connection against the rugged beauty of the American West. The network describes it as “a heartfelt study of grief and human connection,” promising a more emotional and contemporary tone than its predecessors.

An All-Star Lineup and Expanding Universe

Pfeiffer’s casting as the lead instantly raised the stakes for The Madison, which joins a growing list of Yellowstone-inspired spin-offs. The show’s confirmed cast also features Kurt Russell, whose presence adds a classic Western gravitas, and Patrick J. Adams, bringing a modern dramatic edge.

Meanwhile, other projects in the Sheridan-verse continue to build momentum.

• The Dutton Ranch, starring Yellowstone veterans Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), will continue the family’s present-day saga. New cast members include Annette Bening, Ed Harris, and Jai Courtney, with production slated to air in late 2025, possibly mirroring Yellowstone’s traditional November slot.

• Y: Marshals, led by Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), is set to debut on CBS in 2026, marking the franchise’s first foray onto broadcast television.

• Additionally, Sheridan’s next prequel, 1944, is currently in development, expanding the historical side of the franchise alongside 1883 and 1923.

The Next Frontier of Western Storytelling

While details about The Madison’s connection to the original Dutton lineage remain under wraps, early reports suggest it will focus on new characters and settings rather than direct descendants. This fresh approach gives Sheridan the opportunity to explore the modern West — a place where ambition, legacy, and heartbreak still collide.

With Michelle Pfeiffer leading the charge and Kurt Russell riding shotgun, The Madison promises to blend old-Hollywood prestige with Sheridan’s signature grit and authenticity.