The Duttons have not had their last ride, as Dutton Ranch has been renewed for Season 2. Considering the viewership records this Yellowstone spinoff broke as it aired on the 2026 TV schedule and the success of the franchise as a whole, this news shouldn’t come as a surprise. So, I’ve already been thinking about what could happen next and who could return for a cameo.

Dutton Ranch Has Been Renewed For Season 2

Now, before we get to what could happen, let’s talk about what has happened. Dutton Ranch quickly became a beloved Yellowstone show, so it makes perfect sense why Paramount+ decided to drop this exciting announcement a few weeks before the Season 1 finale:

According to the streamer, the show amassed 12.9 million viewers globally in the week after its premiere. That’s the biggest series launch in Paramount+ history. It also had the biggest series premiere on cable since 2023, as it drew in 2.9 million viewers.

Along with that, Dutton Ranch’s reviews were fairly positive. Plus, considering its success as well as the quick renewal for Marshals, the other Yellowstone spinoff that aired this year, this kind of news felt inevitable. So, now that the future is secure, let’s dream about who could show up.

There Are Three Yellowstone Characters I’d Like To See On Dutton Ranch

While I would love to see any familiar character on Dutton Ranch, I do think there are three people I want to see most. So, without further ado, let’s talk about who should make their way down to Texas.

Kayce

I know this is obvious, but it needs to be stated again. Kayce and Beth are the only two living Dutton family members from their generation, and it’s kind of weird that they haven’t talked since Yellowstone ended and their respective spinoffs began. However, thankfully, Kelly Reilly has said she wants a crossover, Cole Hauser wants to go back to Montana, and Luke Grimes has said he’d love to reunite. So, this feels inevitable; it’s just a matter of figuring out when and how they could find their ways into each other's shows.

Young John Dutton

I think it’s safe to say that Kevin Costner will not be returning as John Dutton, considering what happened both on and off-screen. However, it’s important to remember that he’s not the only person who played Yellowstone’s patriarch. Josh Lucas played John in flashbacks, and I’d love for him to come back and do that on Dutton Ranch.

We know Beth’s past and her father loom large over this new show, and the flashbacks in the OG series were some of my favorite moments. So, by bringing back Josh Lucas as John Dutton, the series could dive further into Rip and Beth’s past and give us some more screentime with the patriarch who kicked this whole franchise off.

Jimmy

This feels like a no-brainer, so I’ll keep it short. Jimmy is in Texas as far as we know, and he’s a beloved bunkhouse boy. It only feels right that Jefferson White be invited over to Dutton Ranch to do some cowboying.

So, with all this in mind, I can’t wait to see who shows up in Season 2 of Dutton Ranch. However, before we get there, we have to finish Season 1 first, and you can watch the last few episodes as they air on Fridays with a Paramount+ subscription.

A new era of Yellowstone is happening on the 2026 TV schedule with some familiar faces. However, there’s also an exciting collaboration between actors from this universe happening in the land of movies, too. That’s right, there’s a new western film being made that is going to be led by a 1923 star, and two of his co-stars were actually on Yellowstone. Honestly, as a fan of all these shows, I can't believe this.

For a while now, we’ve known that 1923 cast member Brandon Sklenar was attached to a new modern Western movie called The Rescue. The actor was one of the leads of the Yellowstone prequel series that also starred Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, and he played Spencer Dutton in it.

Listen, as someone who binged all of 1923 with my Paramount+ subscription, I can safely say that Sklenar is remarkable in it. He plays a man who is fighting his way back home to help save his ranch, and it’s truly an epic tale set during the 1920s. With that said, while I loved seeing the actor in this period Western series, I cannot wait to see him in a modern Western movie.

Adding to the excitement of Sklenar’s casting, it was also revealed that multiple Yellowstone actors have signed on to work alongside him.

At the end of 2025, we learned that Hassie Harrison will be one of those performers from Taylor Sheridan’s flagship show who would be joining Sklenar on The Rescue. The actress, who is actually married to her Yellowstone co-star Ryan Bingham, played the ranchhand Laramie on the TV series that’s available to stream with a Peacock subscription.

Then, more recently, The Rescue added a bunch of new names to its cast list, and that group included Josh Lucas, per Deadline. He played young John Dutton in flashbacks on Yellowstone. Sadly, after Kevin Costner, who played John in the present, left, Lucas also did not return. So, the idea of him returning to the Western genre alongside some other actors from Sheridan’s Montana-based world sounds fantastic to me.

Josh Lucas is clearly excited to saddle up for this new adventure, too, as he posted the announcement on Instagram with the following caption:

Along with the Yellowstone alums, many other impressive actors will be in The Rescue, too. This includes Josh Duhamel, Tim Blake Nelson, Nick Searcy, Austin Amelio, Spencer Treat Clark and Lorelei Olivia Mote.

Sadly, we don’t know who anyone is playing yet, as details about the movie are being kept under wraps. However, we do know the film will follow a rodeo cowboy as he has to use his skills from the arena outside of it. We also know it will be directed by Potsy Ponciroli and written by John Fusco. It’s been reported that production is happening right now.

We really don’t have to wait too long for the movie, as it's set to premiere on January 29, 2027. So, in that time, you can familiarize yourself with these actors by watching them play members of the Dutton family and workers for the family by streaming Yellowstone on Peacock and 1923 on Paramount+.

Ever since Y: Marshals was placed on CBS’s 2025-2026 lineup, I’ve been thinking about how this upcoming Yellowstone show can expand the story of Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton. One element of this character’s life that I’m dying to know more about is his relationship with his father, who was played by Kevin Costner in the original series. I think this show has a great opportunity to do just that, too, and I actually think it can easily do it (and do it well) without the actor best known for playing the Dutton patriarch.

Now, as I’m sure you’re aware, Kevin Costner left Yellowstone ahead of its final episodes, and it was not exactly amicable. Rumors swirled for months about his exit, and issues he and the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, ran into that reportedly led to him not playing John anymore. Then, in the Season 5B premiere, John was killed off, and the actor who played him didn’t appear on the show again.

With all that being said, I would assume that the odds of the Bull Durham actor showing up in Y: Marshals are slim to none. First of all, as we just discussed, John Dutton is dead and cannot show up in the present. Second, if they did want to bring him back for flashbacks, based on how his Yellowstone exit went down, I’d guess he’d say no (though nothing is impossible). However, there is a very easy way for the character of John Dutton to return, and I really hope they do it.

Remember, Kevin Costner is not the only actor who plays John Dutton. In flashbacks, Josh Lucas portrays the Dutton patriarch. And I think it’d be brilliant to bring him back as we dive into Kayce’s story.

Over the course of Yellowstone’s run (which you can stream with a Peacock subscription), Josh Lucas appeared in nine episodes as the younger version of John Dutton. He was great in the role, too, and I always appreciated learning more about the family’s history through these flashbacks.

However, one person these flashbacks almost always neglected was Kayce. I’ve always had a bone to pick with Kayce’s story for that reason, as well. His military past and tense relationship with his father was always mentioned, but never seen. And I desperately wanted to see it.

Luke Grimes does too. A while back, he told me that it would be interesting to explore Kayce’s past in the special forces and the trauma that experience caused. Y: Marshals feels like the perfect place to dive into that history, and I’d love to see it played out in a way that included John. That’s because these two butted heads a lot during that time, and I’d like to know how their relationship turned Kayce into the man he is today.

They can easily do that, too, by bringing Josh Lucas back to play John and casting a new young actor to play Kayce in his teens and early 20s. So, CBS, can we get on this, please? And in the meantime, you better believe I’ll be tuning into Y: Marshals on March 1 to see how this next chapter in the youngest Dutton’s story continues.

There are only a few Saturday Night Live episodes left in the show’s milestone 50th season, which means there are only a few more stars on the docket to serve as host. Quinta Brunson is up at bat next, on May 3, while Scarlett Johansson is set to close out the season on May 17. Smack dab in between the two actresses, though, is actor Walton Goggins, who’ll host the show on May 10. As a fan of Goggins, I’m incredibly excited to see what he does, and it would seem that stars like Josh Lucas and Jack Black share my enthusiasm.

It was announced at the end of this past week that Walton Goggins would host Saturday Night Live, with Arcade Fire serving as musical guest. The past several months have seen some excellent SNL hosts take the stage in Studio 8H, but the notion of a comedic talent like Goggins taking the reins truly excites me. When the news was announced, the fan-favorite actor took to his Instagram account to share it. Dax Shepard, Josh Lucas, Jack Black and more stars then took to the comments to hype up Goggins:

• Man. I can not wait to see you do this! - Josh Lucas
• NO WAY!!!!!!!! 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌❤️❤️❤️ - Dax Shepard
• Coming in hot!!! - Jack Black
• !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOLY SHIT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🙌🔥❤️ - Edi Patterson
• THIS IS THE BEST👏 - Tony Cavalero
• 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 - Natasha Rothwell

You can’t help but smile upon the sight of stars hyping up a fellow performer. Of course, the actors noted above were far from the only users to weigh in enthusiastically, as non-celebrity fans also shared their excitement. These comments are also a true testament to the fact that the Alabama native has more than struck a chord with his various performances. I totally understand the hype, as the Justified cast alum has and continues to put in excellent work.

Although Walton Goggins has been working in Hollywood for some time now, the past several years have truly seen him emerge as a highly-sought-after performer. Fallout, Invincible, George & Tammy and The Righteous Gemstones are just a few of the TV shows on which he’s had starring roles. Most recently, Goggins received praise for his role as Rick Hatchett on The White Lotus (which is available to stream with a Max subscription). Some might say that his “heartthrob status” grew as a result of the HBO anthology series.

It’s interesting to consider what Walton Goggins might do on Saturday Night Live. Right now, I’m tempted to assume that the cast will make use of his Southern heritage and signature drawl while coming up with sketch ideas. There may even be a White Lotus parody during that episode though, after the “White Potus” debacle involving Aimee Lou Wood (who took offense to the sketch lampooning her signature teeth), the show may opt not to craft another parody. A bigger surprise would be if Wood appeared alongside former co-star Goggins on SNL amid rumors that they’re feuding.

We’ll still have to wait a few weeks to see what exactly happens during that particular episode. I’m confident that it’ll be well worth the wait, and that I – along with Dax Shepard, Jack Black and more – will be satisfied with it. For right now, though, let’s keep up the speculation regarding what kind of fun sketches we might see during the show.

Walton Goggins’ episode of Saturday Night Live airs at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC as part of the 2025 TV schedule. Know that episodes of the long-running sketch comedy series can also be streamed with a Peacock subscription.

The list of Taylor Sheridan’s shows feels like it's neverending, and the so the Rolodex of famous actors he’s also gotten into said series also feels infinite. From Kevin Costner’s role as John Dutton in the game-changing Yellowstone to Zoë Saldaña and Jeremy Renner’s turns in shows from Sheridan that aren’t about the Dutton family, the group of actors he’s gathered for these projects is staggering. 

Kevin Costner - Yellowstone 

Kevin Costner is kind of the man who started it all. At the time, he was the most famous person in the Yellowstone cast, and for five seasons he played the patriarch of the modern Dutton family, John Dutton. While he did leave Taylor Sheridan’s flagship western after the first half of Season 5, there’s no denying how much this character gave to the show and his career. 

Sam Elliott - 1883 

Some of Sam Elliott’s best movies, like Tombstone, are Westerns. And while Elliott has dabbled in television, there’s no doubt 1883 is a standout moment in his career. He joined Sheridan’s show as Shea Brennan, a Union Civil War veteran who agrees to take a group of immigrants West. He leads the group of pioneers on a journey from Texas to Montana, and Elliott gives a standout performance as the no-nonsense yet emotionally complex leader of the caravan. 

Harrison Ford - 1923 

Harrison Ford had never led a TV show until 2022 when he starred in 1923 as Jacob Dutton. While he’s known and beloved for playing Indiana Jones and Han Solo in film franchises, the Yellowstone prequel series was a fantastic turn in his career as he reunited with Helen Mirren, and led the spectacular cast of 1923. 

Zoë Saldaña - Lioness 

There are so many actors on this list who we likely never thought we’d see leading a TV series because they’re big movie stars. Well, if you’ve seen the Avatar movies or the Marvel movies in order, you’re aware that Zoë Saldaña has been busy for years between those and other projects. However, she joined the cast of Lioness in 2023 Joe, a CIA operative. 

Helen Mirren -1923 

Cara Dutton is one of the leaders of the Dutton household, and Helen Mirren plays her perfectly. She’s a confident Irish woman who knows how to run her household, and she and her husband Jacob are a perfect pair. Part of the reason why is Mirren and Harrison Ford are an excellent couple is they came back together for this project after working together on The Mosquito Coast in 1986. 

Tim McGraw - 1883 

When you think of Tim McGraw, country music is likely the first thing that comes to mind. However, he’s also a great actor, and 1883 proved that as he led the series as James Dutton, the man who moved his family from Tennessee to Montana to the ranch that is known today as The Yellowstone. McGraw played the character – alongside his wife Faith Hill who plays Margaret Dutton – for the first time in Yellowstone, and then after that, he signed on to make this miniseries about the Dutton’s big move. 

Kelly Reilly -Yellowstone 

Kelly Reilly was an established character actor before this, but Yellowstone made her a star. Her turn as Beth Dutton is magnificent, and watching her spar with Wes Bentley’s Jamie Dutton and fall in love with Cole Hauser’s Rip Wheeler are two of the reasons why she’s one of the major highlights of Taylor Sheridan’s flagship series. 

Billy Bob Thornton- 1883 

If you want to see the power of Taylor Sheridan and his casts, look no further than the fact that he got Billy Bob Thornton to make a cameo as Marshal Jim Courtright in Episode 2 of 1883. After that, he went on to sign up to lead Sheridan’s show Landman. However, the television journey within this Paramount universe began on the Yellowstone prequel.  

Jeremy Renner - Mayor Of Kingstown 

After starring in Taylor Sheridan’s film Wind River, Jeremy Renner collaborated with him again by joining the cast of his and Hugh Dillon’s show Mayor of Kingstown. The Avengers actor plays the titular Mayor, Mike McLusky, and he helps broker power between law enforcement, the prison and the power players in the town.  

Cole Hauser - Yellowstone 

Rip Wheeler was branded with the Y when he was young, and he’s given it to many ranch hands who live and work on the Yellowstone. While he’s not a Dutton by blood (though he is by law since he married Beth), he’s arguably one of the most loyal members of the family. Cole Hauser is the man behind this beloved character. While he had roles in big movies like Good Will Hunting, Dazed and Confused and 2 Fast 2 Furious, this part is arguably what made him a star.  

Faith Hill - 1883 

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have been married since 1996, and in 1883 they played the married couple Margaret and James Dutton. Hill is best known for her music and she had a few minor acting roles earlier in her career. However, this Yellowstone prequel was her first leading role, and she killed it as the surefire, tough and loving pioneer and mother.  

Tom Hanks - 1883 

You’ll probably do a double take when you see Tom Hanks as General George Meade in Episode 2 of 1883. The iconic actor appeared in a flashback that showed Tim McGraw’s character fighting in the Civil War. While we know him for starring in massive movies like Saving Private Ryan and Sleepless in Seattle, in this Taylor Sheridan show, he played a small yet impactful part in this sweeping story.  

David Oyelowo - Lawmen: Bass Reeves 

From The Butler and Selma, David Oyelowo is a formidable actor known best for his roles in these historic dramas. In 2023, he joined Sheridan’s series Lawmen: Bass Reeves, to play the titular man who was the first Black deputy U.S. Marshall. 

Wes Bentley - Yellowstone 

Jamie Dutton is a fascinating character. He’s not a cowboy like his brothers, and he’s always butting heads with his sister Beth. His story is complex and driven by his confusion about his place in his family. Wes Bentley plays this complex and often villainous character so well, and it’s a great addition to his already impressive career that includes films like American Beauty and The Hunger Games.  

Rita Wilson - 1883 

In Episode 6 of 1883, Rita Wilson appears to play a shop owner named Carol. Both she and her husband Tom Hanks had small cameos in this Yellowstone miniseries, and it goes to show how many incredibly famous and talented actors and singers will show up for these shows, even for a small part. 

Shea Whigham - Lawmen: Bass Reeves 

Colonel George Reeves was the Confederate army leader who cheated Bass Reeves out of his freedom. He’s played by Shea Whigham, a fantastic character actor who is known for his roles in TV shows like Perry Mason, Boardwalk Empire and more. It’s also worth mentioning that Lawmen isn’t the first time he’s worked with Sheridan as he had a role in Sicario: Day of the Soldado, which the Yellowstone creator wrote. 

Luke Grimes - Yellowstone 

Much like his on-screen siblings played by Kelly Reilly and Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes had a solid career before Yellowstone. However, his turn as Kayce Dutton made him a household name. Also, on top of his successful acting career, which involves this massive modern Western, he’s a country singer, and his music has been featured in Taylor Sheridan’s show.  

Nicole Kidman - Lioness 

Nicole Kidman plays CIA senior supervisor Kaitlyn Meade in Lioness. Before this, she made an impact in the TV space through the HBO hit Big Little Lies. She also starred in the shows The Undoing and Nine Perfect Strangers before signing on to be part of Taylor Sheridan’s political thriller that airs on Paramount+. 

Sylvester Stallone - Tulsa King 

Other than a few cameos and guest spots here and there, Sylvester Stallone hasn’t really done TV in a big way. However, that changed when he signed on to play Dwight "The General" Manfredi in Taylor Sheridan’s gangster drama Tulsa King. 

Will Patton - Yellowstone 

If you haven’t watched Yellowstone, be warned, there’s a major spoiler ahead! You’ve been warned.

One of the big reveals in Yellowstone came when Jamie found out that John Dutton wasn’t his biological father, and he was adopted. In Seasons 3 and 4, Wes Bentley’s character reconnected with his birth father, Garrett Randall, and he’s played by Will Patton, who is also known for movies like Remember the Titans and Armageddon.  

Morgan Freeman - Lioness 

Of course, Morgan Freeman plays a powerful character in Lioness. The actor with the most illustrious career and seriously iconic voice, joined the Taylor Sheridan show to play Secretary of State Edwin Mullins. 

Dennis Quaid - Lawmen: Bass Reeves 

In Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Dennis Quaid plays Sherrill Lynn. He is one of the series regulars, and like the titular character, he’s a deputy U.S. Marshall. 

Josh Holloway - Yellowstone 

Typically, in a Yellowstone show, one of the Dutton's adversaries is some sort of outsider who is trying to take their land. In Season 3, that guy was named Roarke, and Lost’s Josh Holloway played him. 

Aidan Gillen - Mayor Of Kingstown 

You know and likely love to hate Aidan Gillen as Littlefinger in Game of Thrones. I guarantee you’ll also know and love to hate him as the evil Milo in Mayor of Kingstown too. 

Michael Kelly - Lioness 

Michael Kelly is well known for his roles in action-packed and political thrillers like House of Cards and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. So, his joining Lioness to play the CIA’s deputy director Byron Westfield feels very fitting.  

Donald Sutherland - Lawmen: Bass Reeves 

The late great Donald Sutherland’s final role was as Judge Parker in Lawmen: Bass Reeves. From M*A*S*H to The Hunger Games to Pride and Prejudice, and so much more, his career was truly legendary and he capped it off with this Taylor Sheridan show. 

Josh Lucas - Yellowstone 

When you think of John Dutton, Kevin Costner is understandably probably the first person you think of. However, he’s not the only actor who plays the Yellowstone’s patriarch. In flashbacks, he’s portrayed by Josh Lucas, an actor who is also known for his parts in films like Sweet Home Alabama and Ford v. Ferrari. 

Graham Greene - 1883 

In the finale of 1883, Graham Greene plays Spotted Eagle, a Native American leader who helps guide James Dutton toward what will become his home in Montana. Before this, Greene worked with Sheridan on the film Wind River, and he has a history with other members of the Yellowstone cast as he performed alongside Kevin Costner on Dances with Wolves. 

Jacki Weaver - Yellowstone 

Jacki Weaver – an actress known for her roles in films like Silver Linings Playbook and Animal Kingdom – joined Yellowstone in Season 4 as Caroline Warner. She’s one of the folks who works at Market Equities, and she’s trying to obtain part of the Dutton’s ranch to build an airport.

Jerome Flynn -1923 

Jerome Flynn is best known for playing Bronn – a killer and cynical mercenary – on Game of Thrones. In 1923, he plays Banner Creighton, a rancher who gets into a partnership with a businessman who is trying to take the Dutton’s ranch. 

Andrea Savage - Tulsa King 

You likely know Andrea Savage as a comedic actress because of her roles in shows like I’m Sorry, Episodes and Veep. However, she turned into the dramatic genre and showed off a different side of her range by playing Stacy Beale in Tulsa King. 

Neal McDonough - Yellowstone

You can always count on Neal McDonough to play a really good bad guy. He did it in DC’s Arrowverse as Damien Darhk. He did it in Justified as Robert Quarles. Of course, he did it in Yellowstone too, as he played one of Season 2’s antagonists, Malcolm Beck. 

Overall, the list of performers who have worked on one of Taylor Sheridan’s many shows is overwhelming and growing. From A-listers to legendary character actors, many have said yes to working on these series, and that will likely keep happening as the super producer and writer continues to create. 

Josh Lucas is a charming and talented actor, but according to the Arkansas-born performer, one of his best-known roles hurt his career. Lucas may be best known to modern audiences as young John Dutton in the hit series Yellowstone. Still, there was a time in the early 2000s when he was memorable for one of the best romantic comedies, Sweet Home Alabama (No, that isn’t Matthew McConaughey alongside Reese Witherspoon). His involvement in the film was met with unexpected consequences, ones that left a lasting impression on his professional journey.

Two Emmy hopefuls, Josh Lucas and Chloë Sevigny, came together for a nostalgic conversation as part of Vanity Fair's Reunited series. This reunion marked over two decades since their collaboration in one of the most iconic 2000 horror films, American Psycho. Chloë asked the veteran The Firm star if he ever felt typecast for his good looks, which he shared:

In 2002, Sweet Home Alabama became a commercial success and a beloved fan favorite, with Josh Lucas playing the romantic lead, Jake Perry, opposite Reese Witherspoon. Despite the film's popularity and its lasting place in pop culture, Lucas faced personal struggles behind the scenes that highlight the often unseen realities of the film industry. The good news? In recent years, the actor has seen a resurgence in demand, taking on a variety of genres and roles.

Josh Lucas is far from slowing down, with a slew of upcoming movies and TV projects set to highlight his versatility further. Each new role affirms that he is much more than just the "Sweet Home Alabama guy.” For example, Lucas shines with his terrifically deadpan performance alongside SNL alum Kristen Wiig in the dark satire Palm Royale, now available to stream with an Apple TV+ subscription.

While many remember him from A Beautiful Mind, I can't help but think back to his role in one of the Marvel movies not associated with the MCU, the 2003 film Hulk, directed by Ang Lee. Though the film faced criticism, Lucas stood out as the antagonist Talbot. Interestingly, Lucas has discussed why he thinks Lee's frustrations with production might have impacted the movie. Despite its mixed reception, Hulk has its merits, and Lucas's performance remains a notable highlight.

Of course, fans can catch up on Lucas's portrayal of young John Dutton in Yellowstone, with all episodes available to stream with a Peacock subscription.

A lot has happened since Yellowstone’s Season 5 midseason finale aired on January 1, 2023. Amidst all the behind-the-scenes drama, Kevin Costner may or may not have left the project, and it’s been announced that the remaining episodes will be the last of this series. However, Taylor Sheridan has created a number of spinoffs in the Dutton-verse, so regardless of it Costner is out, it doesn’t necessarily mean we’re finished with John Dutton. In fact, Josh Lucas, who plays a younger version of the Yellowstone patriarch, was asked about his interest in a spinoff, and he had an enthusiastic response.

Fans have been gushing about Josh Lucas as a young John Dutton ever since he first perfectly embodied Kevin Costner’s rancher in Yellowstone’s premiere season, and the interest in seeing more of him in that role hasn’t gone away. The subject came up during a recent interview with ET, and when Lucas was asked about the possibility of him starring in his own spinoff for Paramount, he responded: 

Hopefully Taylor Sheridan is listening, because Josh Lucas seems more than willing to saddle up and explore the cowboy’s earlier years. In fact, the Sweet Home Alabama actor has shown nothing but excitement and gratitude for being able to participate in this series, and his letting Sheridan know how much it means led to the creator assuring Lucas that John Dutton’s story isn’t over yet. (Maybe Lucas should have let that doctor make him look more like Kevin Costner after all!)

Regardless of if Kevin Costner returns to Season 5 or not — and some argue it would be better if he didn’t — it sounds like we will see more of his character in flashbacks. As for what capacity that will be in, CinemaBlend’s Riley Utley has a theory about how the series could proceed without Costner, and yes, it involves Josh Lucas.

John Dutton’s role in the second half of Season 5 is just one of the unknowns that remains, as Taylor Sheridan is apparently very secretive when it comes to scripts and plotlines. The number of episodes is also a big question mark, with Ian Bohen (who plays Ryan) saying there are six to come and Josh Lucas hearing we’ll get “10 or so” more. 

What we do know, however, is a timeframe for the series’ return. After originally being slated for Summer 2023, the final episodes of Season 5 are now set to air in November 2024. That’s still a long ways off, which unfortunately means a lot could happen between now and then, but hopefully Taylor Sheridan can keep his operation on the tracks (with no visits to the train station) as planned from here on out.

In the meantime, if you need a refresher about how the Duttons got to where they are, with all of the Yellowstone episodes that have aired so far available to stream with a Peacock subscription. Taylor Sheridan’s other ventures, meanwhile, can be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription. Be sure to keep an eye on the 2024 TV schedule for all of the upcoming premieres. 

As we inch closer to the final episodes of Yellowstone premiering on the 2024 TV schedule, there’s still a big pessimistic question mark surrounding Kevin Costner and whether he’ll return as John Dutton. However, an optimistic light has started shining around the character, because Josh Lucas expects to return for the series' final episodes as the younger version of the ranch’s patriarch. So, with that in mind, I have a theory about how Kayce, Beth and Jamie’s dad could still play a big role in Taylor Sheridan’s Western, even if Costner doesn’t come back.  

What Josh Lucas Said About Returning To Yellowstone

Telling Stars SiriusXM 109 how much he loves working on Yellowstone and shooting in Montana in “nature at its highest level,” Josh Lucas reiterated his comments about wanting to return to the Dutton ranch to play the younger version of John, saying:

Obviously, Lucas is hopeful that he’ll be back with the Yellowstone cast, and I really hope he’s in the final episodes too. Even if rumors prove to be true, and Kevin Costner doesn’t come back, John Dutton can still impact the show, and I have a theory about how flashbacks and Lucas can do exactly that. 

Even If Kevin Costner Isn’t In Yellowstone, I Have A Theory About How Josh Lucas And John Dutton Can Play A Massive Role

A popular theory surrounding how Kevin Costner could be written off stems from John Dutton thinking his colon cancer had returned in Season 1 of Yellowstone. Many think it would be logical to have the character die because of it, as it pulls from an already existing story arc and would be a meaningful way for the character to go. It would leave the door open for the kids to duke it out in terms of who will become the successor of the ranch, and it would set up an epic set of episodes to end Yellowstone.

I’m a big fan of this theory, and I would not be shocked at all if it’s how Costner’s character exits the show. Building off of it, I think Josh Lucas and young John Dutton could come in through flashbacks to help us piece together the puzzle of who is the rightful heir of the Yellowstone.

Think about it, we’ve gotten vital pieces of the story through flashbacks. It’s how they helped audiences realize the depth of Beth and Rip’s relationship. It’s how we found out about the origins of Jamie and Beth’s feud. Plus, it’s given us insight into the ups and downs of John Dutton’s time running the ranch. 

Yellowstone relies heavily on flashbacks, and if John is gone and the kids are fighting it out in the present, flashing back to his relationships with them when they were younger would add a lot of meaning and context to why they’re acting the way they are now. 

For example, we know Kayce and John have a turbulent past, and seeing some of those scenes play out through Lucas and a younger version of Luke Grimes’ character could really pack a punch when it comes to how he’s acting in the present. The same can be said for Beth and Rip. We’ve seen them in flashbacks frequently, and having a better understanding of their relationship with John as they grew up, would make what’s motivating them in the current day all the more meaningful. 

Flashbacks are powerful, and even if Kevin Costner isn’t playing John Dutton in Season 5, I’m convinced his character will still have a massive role in the show’s past and present. 

Hopefully, we’ll get to see a whole lot of Josh Lucas in the final episodes of Yellowstone when it returns toward the end of the year. Clearly, he wants to come back, and I think it’d be a great move, especially if Costner isn’t returning and the story goes in a direction that shows the kids figuring out who will succeed their father as the boss of the Dutton Ranch. 

To see Josh Lucas and Kevin Costner as John Dutton in the first five seasons of Yellowstone, you can stream it with a Peacock subscription.  

Even though the Dutton family’s trials and tribulations haven’t been freshly depicted on TV in well over a year, that doesn’t mean Yellowstone fans have given up waiting for the remaining Season 5 episodes. The wait has been long and not entirely straightforward, but it’s been known for months that a spring production is planned ahead of a November release goal. And how many eps can we expect to see? Now we have conflicting reports.

Back in the days of yore, before Kevin Costner’s reported Yellowstone exit was a thing to worry about, Paramount Network ordered up a super-sized fifth season, with 14 episodes at play rather than the usual 10. So after the shit hit the fan in early 2023 and it became clear that the neo-western would be concluding with Season 5, we all started adhering to the ongoing assumption about how big the eventual return would be. But now that assumption has been challenged by recurring actor Josh Lucas, who hints that even more installments are coming. Let’s look at both sides of the discussion.

Ian Bohen Claims We're Getting 6 More Yellowstone Episodes

Ian Bohen, the Teen Wolf vet who's portrayed ranchhand Ryan for each of the seasons, spoke with Entertainment Tonight about what he's aware of by way of Yellowstone's future, and he's pretty candid about not necessarily having 100% finalized details, while ackowloedging that things could always be delayed. But here's how he explained it:

That sounds perfectly in line with what I was assuming would go down for the back half of Season 5, and it matches up with the early reports as well. Taylor Sheridan is currently filming Landman in Texas with Jon Hamm and Billy Bob Thornton, so that production will presumably need to conclude before the co-creator is able to bounce back up to Montana to figure out what to do with Paradise Valley.

But what if Ian Bohen was really just shortchanging things?

Josh Lucas Things Even More New Episodes Are Coming

Now, the immediate instinct may be to dismiss Lucas’ thoughts as being not quite correct, since he’s not as much in the daily grind loop as all of the series regulars. As such, he may be speaking more from a place of assumptions rather than hardcore facts. And bless his heart for offering updates in the first place, but with a giant fanbase this rabid to see the drama’s return, it’ not a great move to share details that one isn’t 100% convinced are true. Did he just pull that “10” out of nowhere, or is it based on something he was actually told by Taylor Sheridan or other producers?

Or maybe Lucas’ Dutton won’t only be tapped for a Yellowstone return, but also for the upcoming continuation series currently titled 2024. I certainly wouldn’t turn down more episodes to cap the series off, and I know I’m not alone. Especially if Costner’s absence leaves a large unavoidable hole during the production, I can totally understand why Lucas’ take on the family patriarch would be utilized as an alternate solution. And if it requires a few more episodes to bring the story together, then so be it. But I still don’t know which co-star to believe.

Now, the immediate instinct may be to dismiss Lucas’ thoughts as being not quite correct, since he’s not as much in the daily grind loop as all of the series regulars. As such, he may be speaking more from a place of assumptions rather than hardcore facts. And bless his heart for offering updates in the first place, but with a giant fanbase this rabid to see the drama’s return, it’ not a great move to share details that one isn’t 100% convinced are true. Did he just pull that “10” out of nowhere, or is it based on something he was actually told by Taylor Sheridan or other producers?

Or maybe Lucas’ Dutton won’t only be tapped for a Yellowstone return, but also for the upcoming continuation series currently titled 2024. I certainly wouldn’t turn down more episodes to cap the series off, and I know I’m not alone. Especially if Costner’s absence leaves a large unavoidable hole during the production, I can totally understand why Lucas’ take on the family patriarch would be utilized as an alternate solution. And if it requires a few more episodes to bring the story together, then so be it. But I still don’t know which co-star to believe.

As far as what fans can see the aforementioned actors in next, Ryan Bohen just played none other than the President of the United States alongside fellow Arrowverse alum Katherine McNamara in James Bamford’s Air Force One Down. Meanwhile, John Lucas is set to co-star in Peacock’s upcoming satire Palm Royale, which earned critical kudos for star Kristen Wiig.

All of Yellowstone’s episodes that have aired so far can be streamed with a Peacock subscription.

At this point, many are assuming that Kevin Costner likely won’t return as John Dutton for the final episodes of Yellowstone. For months, alleged drama has filled the air about disputes between the lead actor and the show, so it’s been alleged that the patriarch would simply be written out of the show. However, it’s important to note that even if Costner is written out, John Dutton likely won’t be, and Josh Lucas made that clear. 

As a refresher, Josh Lucas plays the young version of John Dutton (as you can see below) in the Yellowstone cast. While he’s not in the show as much as Costner, when there is a flashback on the show, and there are many, he typically is in them. To this point, Lucas was asked by Deadline if he’s returning for Season 5 of Yellowstone, and he said:

The audio in the video of Lucas talking cut out right as he said “As far as I know,” however, he made it clear that he wants to come back and he’s looking forward to probably playing John again. Speaking a bit about the upcoming season that’s expected to premiere toward the end of the 2024 TV schedule, the actor teased how long Season 5B will be, explaining:

So despite Yellowstone reportedly being in chaos due to rumors regarding Kevin Costner, whether he’s there or not, his character will continue to live through, at the bare minimum, flashbacks. 

For context, it’s been reported over many months that Costner was not happy about his shooting schedule for Season 5B, among other things. During his divorce hearings, he even said he’d “probably go court” over everything that’s gone down with his deal for the final episodes of Yellowstone, explaining that while there were negotiations, “there were issues about creative.” When he “tried to break a logjam. They walked away.” 

It sounds like our other John Dutton, Josh Lucas, has had no issues with coming back to Yellowstone. In fact, based on these new quotes from him, he can’t wait to get back in the saddle.

So, whether Kevin Costner returns or not, one thing seems fairly certain: We will be getting John Dutton in Season 5B of Yellowstone. That’s because Josh Lucas said that, as far as he knows, he’s set to return as the younger version of the Dutton patriarch. 

To go back and see both Kevin Costner and Josh Lucas as John Dutton, you can stream Seasons 1 through 5A with a Peacock subscription. 

It often feels like rom-coms are a dime a dozen, but the truth is that the best romantic comedies are ones built on several things. Fans of the genre enjoy snappy dialogue, inventive and/or realistic complications for the central couple, a swoon-worthy love story, and, of course, main characters portrayed by actors who have more than enough on-screen chemistry to make all of those pieces come together. 

What’s great about romantic comedies is that we’ve gotten more than enough couples like this over the past two plus decades, but some of them have either only partnered one time (which, granted, may be because their pairing is still relatively new), or haven’t been in a film together for many years now. So, let’s take a look at the (mostly) rom-com partners that we really think should make another movie together!

Meg Ryan And Tom Hanks

This duo probably feels like a no-brainer to you, and, well, it should! Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks have memorably joined forces for two rom-com hits, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, plus the 1990 cult favorite romantic comedy, Joe Versus the Volcano, so there’s no reason for them not to really round things out with a fourth film. I’d be down for a second chance romance where they learn to love again, wouldn’t you?

Diane Keaton And Keanu Reeves 

Yes, yes… Already I’m cheating here, but only a tiny bit. While the magnetic on-screen coupling of Diane Keaton and Keanu Reeves wasn’t the main focus of Something’s Gotta Give, I have spent the past 20 years wishing they were. So, let's get these adorably crazy kids back together! They could play any kind of couple (bickering marrieds who are clearly still hot for each other, two folks who shouldn’t get together but can’t help themselves, etc.) and I’d be in the theater on opening night.

Lana Condor And Noah Centineo

Honestly, there might not be a cuter couple on this list. The dreamy teen romance movie pairing of Lana Condor and Noah Centineo was, obviously, gifted to everyone with a Netflix subscription in the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy, and there’s a reason that so many people fell head over heels for them. These two sorta sparkle together on screen, and I’d love to see them reunite in a romance (or any comedy) that’s got more of an adult edge to it.

Alison Brie And Jason Sudeikis

We all adore it when a rom-com gives us something different, and 2015’s Sleeping with Other People does just that with its story of friends who openly acknowledge their sexual tension, but purposely avoid doing anything about it so as to not screw up what they have. Alison Brie and Ted Lasso cast lead Jason Sudeikis are amazing as the friends in question, and I’d love to see them bring their casual, but still sexy, chemistry to another film. 

Jenny Slate And Jake Lacy

A true pleasure of watching Obvious Child was seeing the relationship between Jenny Slate and Jake Lacy’s characters develop as she has trouble revealing that she’s getting an abortion several weeks after their one-night stand. They work great as a duo with a clear attraction that’s impeded by a secret, and we’d really appreciate it if we could watch him warm her butter and make her tea in a movie that sees them as fully coupled characters.

Constance Wu And Henry Golding

I cannot tell a lie; some of the reason for Constance Wu and Henry Golding making the list is simply because we are all dying for the Crazy Rich Asians sequel we’ve been promised for several years now. While we wait, I’m hoping we can at least get those two into another fun rom-com where he can bring his posh, suave energy to meet her adorably spunky, girl-next-door verve.

Emma Stone And Ryan Gosling

What’s not to love about Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, especially when they star opposite each other in a romantic story? They were sweet, sexy, bantery, and slightly goofy together in Crazy, Stupid, Love, then had all of that with more emotional depth in La La Land, and also had the same chemistry in Gangster Squad, but with an added veneer of danger. It’s been a rough few years; the world needs more of their exact thing, OK?

Kate Hudson And Matthew McConaughey

I know, I know! Matthew McConaughey doesn’t make rom-coms anymore, but that’s honestly no reason why he can’t re-team with Kate Hudson, 20 years after they first hit the screen together in How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. The engaging push-and-pull of their romance in that film can easily be translated to, say, a movie where each is portraying a lawyer on the opposite side of a big murder case. There! Someone make that movie!

Queen Latifah And Common

Just Wright might not be the first movie you think of when it comes to Queen Latifah or romantic comedies, but it’s hard to deny that watching her play off of Common as they slowly go from not-quite-enemies to lovers was a genuine treat. Now all we need is the right vehicle for them so their individual easygoing charm can show us how well-matched they are on screen.

Jennifer Garner And Mark Ruffalo

There’s a reason that 13 Going On 30 is still so popular almost two decades later. That reason is Jennifer Garner’s joyful, weirdo energy as a teen suddenly transplanted to her adult life, sure, but it’s also how Mark Ruffalo calmly reconnects with the childhood friend he’d long ago lost touch with. They're just sweet together, OK? We saw them in The Adam Project. We need more!

Sandra Bullock And Channing Tatum

The luminous and hilarious pairing of Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum was definitely not on my rom-com bingo card, but damn, it was a joy to behold once we got it. In The Lost City, they were perfect as a starchy and grieving romance novelist and her incredibly sweet but somewhat dim cover model who get caught in a life-or-death situation in the jungle, and all I can hope for is that we someday have a sequel to enjoy.

Billy Eichner And Luke Macfarlane

If an opposites attract energy is your thing, there’s no way for you not to enjoy the pairing of Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane. The Bros stars only just met up on screen in 2022, but we’d love to see them reunite in a rom-com that switches Eichner’s intense characterization and Macfarlane’s laid-back vibe around for additional laughs.

Meg Ryan And Hugh Jackman

Kate & Leopold is the rare romance where Meg Ryan’s character is less than sweet for much of the film, but watching her early ‘00s driven career woman begin to soften with the attentions of Hugh Jackman’s fancy man from the 1870s was a delight. Now if we can just get them to play off of one another when both are from the modern day, all will be right in the world.

Anne Hathaway And Chris Pine

We all know that The Princess Diaries 2 is so beloved that fans have wanted to bring the cast back for the now in development third movie for nearly 20 years, and part of that was because of the sweet, (sorta) slow burn love story between Anne Hathaway and Chris Pine’s characters. While everyone would love to see them as a long-married couple in a sequel, we’d also take them as, oh, I don’t know, bickering co-workers who can’t deny their attraction, so let’s stop stalling and get this coupling back on the big screen!

Julia Roberts And Hugh Grant

Look, I know that Hugh Grant is fully in his slimy villain era right now and is hilariously against even attempting rom-coms again. But! I think that makes the potential of this Notting Hill pairing coming back together even more appealing. Let him play a con-man who tricks Julia Roberts into falling in love, only to steal all her money and force her to track him down with a hilarious vengeance. I’d buy a ticket for that, OK?

Jennifer Lopez And George Clooney

Sure, sure. I’m cheating this entry a bit because, technically, Jennifer Lopez and George Clooney didn't star in a traditional rom-com together, but who among us can deny that they were HOT in Out of Sight? No one, that’s who! I say we get these two into a proper romantic comedy, but maybe one that’s not another Lopez wedding movie, just to switch things up.

Sanaa Lathan And Omar Epps 

Yes, this is another, more direct, fudging of this article’s concept, because Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps were a romantic drama pairing in Love & Basketball… but they were SO GOOD TOGETHER. Watching them play out a long-term path to eventual happiness was extremely satisfying, but maybe this time we can use that chemistry of theirs for a couple that has more good times than stressful ones.

Cristin Milioti And Andy Samberg

The chances that Cristin Milioti and Andy Samberg will strike time loop movie gold again after Palm Springs is incredibly unlikely, and we wouldn’t want them to try. Instead, why not let these two portray criminals on the run for separate crimes who accidentally cross paths and fall in love while they’re on the lam? They can give us that same adorably wacky enthusiasm that we all loved the first time around that way!

Kristen Stewart And Aubrey Plaza

If you saw Happiest Season, then you saw the undeniable spark between Kristen Stewart and Aubrey Plaza as their characters (Who weren’t even dating!) dealt with a lot of toxicity during Christmastime. They managed to genuinely bond (and look great doing it) over their similar relationship trauma, so I say we go ahead and give these two an even bubblier romantic comedy where they can actually freakin’ end up as a couple! 

Gemma Chan And Harry Shum Jr. 

Obviously, we didn’t get a real romance between the characters played by Gemma Chan and Harry Shum Jr. in Crazy Rich Asians, but the movie sure did set up the promise of fulfilling the epic love story that was a part of Kevin Kwan’s novel trilogy. Fans got a very brief scene of them looking all cute and dreamy with each other and dancing during the mid-credits scene, so hear me now: WE NEED THAT ASTRID AND CHARLIE SPINOFF, ASAP!

Issa Rae And Kumail Nanjiani

It may be hard to cast two people who have perfect romantic chemistry, but it could be even harder to find a duo who can portray the first glorious blush of falling in love, that same couple once they’ve begun to fall apart, and then play them as they start to get closer… because they’re on the run after being accused of murder. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani are those people, and we’ve been wanting them back on screen since The Lovebirds to do something just as crazy and rom-commy again.

Reese Witherspoon And Josh Lucas

If you’re looking for a bickering duo who are hot together no matter what, that’s Sweet Home Alabama’s Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas, for sure. I’m sure they’d be great doing anything on screen, but also doubt anyone would mind if they paired for a story that would let them fight (and fight through) their attraction until they finally admit their feelings for each other.

Rachel McAdams And Domhnall Gleeson

You know what’s coming, right? After being apart for a decade, it’s About Time that Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson join forces again to bring fans another lovey dovey couple, and we don’t even care what the set up is!

Sarah Hyland And Tyler James Williams

Never has it been more enjoyable to watch a woman who’s not sure about the whole marriage thing date a man who’s very much ready for a long-term commitment than in The Wedding Year, and that was because of the well-matched chemistry/comedic energy of Sarah Hyland and Tyler James Williams. I think these two would be fantastic in an action/adventure rom-com like The Lost City!

Kristen Bell And Dustin Milligan 

Though Kristen Bell and Dustin Milligan starred in The People We Hate at the Wedding, which was more of a straight ahead comedy, they had a definite romantic comedy storyline and played off of each other beautifully. I’m imagining a cinematic rematch for them that involves both of their characters being messy and a bit angry this time, and I think they’ll be a delight to watch once again.

Vivian Oparah And David Jonsson

Even though Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson are a very new rom-com pairing, as their starring vehicle, Rye Lane, debuted in early 2023, there’s no doubting the fizzy joy one gets from watching their characters meet cute and end up slowly becoming attracted to each other over the course of one eventful day. These two can do anything together next, but I don’t think anyone would mind a sequel where we get to see this romance progress!

If nothing else, while we wait to see if these rom-com partners get back together on the big screen, we can all at least go back and enjoy the amazing films they’ve already given us!

Across his career so far, Josh Lucas has proven himself an asset in seemingly every genre imaginable, from horror (Session 9) to rom-coms (Sweet Home Alabama) to prestige dramas (Ford v Ferrari) to big-budget romps (Poseidon). But audiences in 2022 couldn’t get enough of Lucas’ western-leaning chops for his return to Yellowstone as John Dutton in the 1990s timeline. He’s earned more screen time than ever in Season 5 as the younger (and somehow more gravelly-voiced) take on Kevin Costner’s ranch patriarch, which has been an all-around win for everyone. But it turns out if the actor had his way initially, we’d be seeing him every single week as a completely different character. 

Perhaps strangely, all things considered, Josh Lucas originally had his eye on the role of John Dutton’s second banana on the ranch, Rip Wheeler. When talking to Deadline about how co-creator Taylor Sheridan envisioned two generations of actors playing John Dutton, Lucas said:

With Sylvester Stallone currently starring in the mobster-centric drama Tulsa King for those with Paramount+ subscriptions, perhaps it’s not so surprising that Sheridan cited The Godfather when explaining his ideas for Lucas and Costner taking on the same role. Now how soon until the prolific TV creator brings Robert De Niro into his stable of actors?

All that aside, the big takeaway here is that Lucas, who recently said he’s campaigned Reese Witherspoon for a Sweet Home Alabama sequel, was originally angling to take on the role that Cole Hauser has turned into one of TV’s most beloved hardasses. Which might not have seemed so weird had it happened that way to begin with, possibly with the actor dying and growing his hair out a bit the way Hauser did to change his naturally blonde, clean-shaven look. 

But it seems especially odd now to think about Lucas acting next to Kevin Costner as Rip, having spent the past five seasons watching him impress as a younger version of Costner. It’s probably not the most normal thing for a ranch employee to look more like the boss than the latter’s own offspring. Plus, it might have made things even stranger had that plastic surgeon given him a lookalike version of Kevin Costner’s nose if he’d have been playing Rip. Although one would hope the doctor wouldn’t have made the offer in that hypothetical scenario. 

It's cool to know Lucas and Hauser have been on good terms for more than half of their lives now. Hopefully they get to hang out when filming, even though it doesn't seem very likely, considering they don't share any scenes in the same decade. 

Josh Lucas also reflected back on joining the Yellowstone universe back in those first days before anyone realized it would go on to become the biggest show on TV this side of George R.R. Martin's HBO series. Here's how he put it:

Josh Lucas is set to play more than just John Dutton in 2023, thankfully for TV audiences who don’t want to have to wait until the summer. He’s set to star in Rod Blackhurst’s crime thriller Blood for Dust opposite an A+ squad including Kit Harington, Scoot McNairy, Ethan Suplee and Stephen Dorff; as well, his upcoming thriller The Black Demon is set for release on April 14. On the TV side, he’ll be co-starring in the throwback Apple TV+ comedy Mrs. American Pie opposite Mom vet Allison Janney, SNL alum Kristen Wiig and Big Little Lies’ Laura Dern.

Yellowstone will return to Paramount Network this summer for the back half of Season 5, while 1923 will continue its inaugural season in early February on Paramount+. Head to our 2023 TV premiere schedule to see when new and returning shows will be arriving. 

Nowadays we’re so accustomed to seeing numerous superhero movies every year that it's hard to remember a time when Marvel adaptations were not commonplace. Among the Marvel movies not associated with the MCU was 2003’s Hulk directed by Ang Lee and starring Eric Bana, Jennifer Connelly, Sam Elliott and Josh Lucas. When Lucas recently reflected on the Marvel movie as it soon turns 20, he recalled its director being “frustrated.” 

Hulk was the first movie adaptation of the Marvel Comics character following Lou Ferrigno previously playing the hero in the ‘70s and ‘80s for television. When Josh Lucas spoke about his time playing Glenn Talbot in the movie with The Playlist, the actor said this: 

Ang Lee is an incredibly talented filmmaker who was hot off his epic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon when he made Hulk. The 2003 movie was among the top 20 highest-grossing movies of 2003, per Box Office Mojo, and it was praised by critics for its ambition and style, however, it never became a favorite among Marvel fans. Lucas continued: 

Lucas brings up a valid point about early Marvel movies when speaking about Ang Lee. The technology to show off superhuman abilities like Hulk just wasn’t there yet. One can imagine if you want to bring to screen a character as great as Bruce Banner, but CGI wasn’t in the right place yet, you’d feel like Lee did too. Though, the late Stan Lee, who co-created the character actually felt the reason why the first two Hulk movies didn’t work was because they made Hulk “too powerful.” 

Lee wouldn’t go on to continue the Hulk franchise, even though he had an idea lined up for the sequel. Marvel would go on to give the whole thing a remake with Edward Norton’s The Incredible Hulk in 2008 before recasting the role for 2012’s The Avengers with our MCU Hulk, Mark Ruffalo. Apparently, Norton and Ruffalo joke about the Hulk role too, with Ruffalo once saying they think it’s “our generation’s Hamlet” and it’s sure to be remade again. And, I mean it kind of was with the great MCU series, She-Hulk, but that’s a whole other comic book hero of course. 

If you’re feeling nostalgic for another time in Marvel movies, you can check out 2003’s Hulk with a Hulu subscription. And, we’ll keep you updated regarding what’s next for Hulk in the MCU here on CinemaBlend. 

Reese Witherspoon may as well be the queen of rom-coms. The actress has had a slew of different romantic hits including Legally Blonde and Four Christmases, but one that has emerged as a fan favorite over the years is Sweet Home Alabama. The movie came out in 2002, and has attracted rom-com lovers of all ages, now it is somewhat of a classic for fans of the genre. Josh Lucas, who plays the small-town love interest is unforgettable, and he recently dished if a potential sequel would be possible. 

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Lucas was asked if he would be interested in a potential sequel, and if Witherspoon would reprise her iconic role. While he would love to do another, busy schedules may prevent the project from happening. The actor explained:

There is clearly a lot of love and support for another installment, so I won’t lose hope quite yet, but there are a ton of projects the original cast is involved in that may get in the way. Reese Witherspoon is especially busy, as Lucas noted. Her production company, Hello Sunshine is behind a long list of upcoming projects in Hollywood including Daisy Jones and the Six and Legally Blonde 3. She is starring in the Legally Blonde sequel as well, in addition to the AppleTV+ series The Morning Show, and a Tinker Bell live-action film in development. 

There are so many Reese Witherspoon projects to look forward to, but I just can’t stop thinking about a Sweet Home Alabama sequel. The original film is about a New York fashion designer, played by Witherspoon, who becomes engaged to a respectable bachelor, played by Patrick Dempsey. However, she can’t marry him unless her high school boyfriend who she married agrees to divorce her. She travels back to her hometown and mistakenly finds herself rekindling her former romance. I know fans are just dying to find out what happened to the couple after the credits rolled, so maybe enough fan support could make it happen.

The potential for a sequel has been discussed before, but Witherspoon’s understandably busy schedule seems to hold the project back. However, Josh Lucas seems to consistently be on board. Since Sweet Home Alabama, the actor has gone on to act in movies like Ford vs Ferrari, and currently is a cast member on Yellowstone. He also hasn’t strayed too far from his romantic roots, as he starred alongside Katie Holmes in the 2020 romantic drama The Secret: Dare to Dream. 

We may have to wait a while if a Sweet Home Alabama sequel were to happen, but if you are looking to revisit the original film, it is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime. For more information on where to watch some other romantic comedies, make sure to check out our feature on some of CinemaBlend’s favorite rom-coms. 

Yellowstone is set in a universe that is continually expanding, with Harrison Ford and Dame Helen Mirren set to star in another prequel, 1923. It’s not just the spinoffs, however, that delve into previous timelines with praiseworthy casting choices. Josh Lucas has been causing quite a stir within the Yellowstone fandom, with his portrayal of a younger John Dutton in flashbacks on the flagship Paramount series. Lucas seems tailor-made for the role, delivering some of Season 5’s best lines with Kevin Costner’s trademark gruffness, and looking the part too. According to Lucas, however, he almost looked even more like the iconic actor, if his doctor had had his way.

Josh Lucas paid a visit to The Late Late Show, sharing a wild story about breaking his nose before he returned to the set of Yellowstone. He told James Corden he was injured when a wood splitter exploded and a piece hit him in the nose, saying it “took my nose off my face.” He visited a plastic surgeon to repair the damage, where the doctor apparently had an inspired idea in light of the actor’s role in Yellowstone. Lucas recalled: 

What’s that famous saying? “Always be yourself. Unless you can be Kevin Costner. Then always be Kevin Costner.” Maybe that’s not right, but I’ve got to say, I think the plastic surgeon was on to something here. Who wouldn’t want to look more like the Field of Dreams star, especially when given a medical and professional reason to do so! 

Not that Josh Lucas needs any help in transforming into young John Dutton. Fans are already going ballistic and begging for another prequel starring the Sweet Home Alabama actor. His version of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch owner previously appeared in Seasons 1 and 2, before making a welcome comeback for Season 5. His flashback stories this season have clear parallels to current events the Montana governor is facing, and many fans are hoping he'll continue popping up in the remaining episodes.

We’ll have to tune in to see how much more Josh Lucas (and his own nose) we get, as well as how many more bloody fights Beth gets into, with new episodes of Yellowstone airing each Sunday night on the Paramount Network. You can rewatch previous episodes of the western with a Peacock subscription, and head to our 2022 TV schedule (or our 2023 premiere rundown) to see what other new and returning shows are hitting the small screen soon. 

Mild spoilers below for Yellowstone’s latest episode, so be warned if you haven’t yet watched!

Three episodes into its fifth season, Yellowstone has put most of its main characters in vice grips of their own making — a begrudged thanks for the quote inspiration, Sheriff Ramsey — with potentially major problems happening both on the ranch and off. But you know what hasn’t been a problem whatsoever, at least for fans? The return of Josh Lucas as the younger version of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton. The Paramount Network western’s flashbacks in Season 5 seem to be setting up an important connection to the current-day timeline, but who’s got time for remembering plotlines when Lucas’ burly mustache and gravelly drawl are bursting forth from the TV? And you better believe the fandom is clamoring for Taylor Sheridan to order up another new prequel focusing on John’s slightly younger years. 

Ahead of the latest episodes, Josh Lucas popped up on Yellowstone as the land-protecting John Dutton three times across Season 1, and once in Season 2, but was absent through the third and fourth. But fans aren’t griping about lost time or anything, and have been rather focused on celebrating the actor’s Costner-esque vibe. We’ll kick things off with another familiar face from the small screen, HGTV star Erin Napier, whose show Home Town will finally debut Season 7 in early December. Here’s what she had to say:

I dare say a bit of performative fear was struck when Lucas so confidently laid out one of the best lines of the episode when he told the then-Governor off for doubting his and other ranchers' wolf claims. And the way other fans are gushing over Lucas, I think some people might be scared that Yellowstone will drop its flashback format too soon. But let's live in the glorious moments while we can, with this rundown of Lucas-loving viewers. 

• A perfect example of an absolutely flawless casting decision is Josh Lucas as young John Dutton #YellowstoneTV @Yellowstone - @melthearies
• Josh Lucas on #YellowstoneTV is what cowboy dreams are made of - @gracefulsince85
• Idgaf abt Yellowstone’s 1883, I need to see more of Josh Lucas as a young John Dutton. - @missmarii10
• Taylor sheridan is fucking amazing and deserves every single flower #Yellowstone also whoever casted Josh Lucas as young John Dutton deserves every raise imaginable - @flippybets
• Josh Lucas as John Dutton can fuckin GET IT - @jenpeterspnw
• Josh Lucas playing a young John Dutton is really the level of casting every show and movie should be striving for - @elsteindorf

And just in case the above thoughts weren't oozing enough hornball energy, the sentiment below is alive and well on social media. 

Of course, beyond all the general adoration and hype, quite a few Yellowstone fans openly requested — and in some cases demanded — that Josh Lucas imminently get cast to lead whatever prequel would come immediately before the events we're already familiar with. (Although some seem to have their math all wrong as far as when the thing might take place.) Let's run these next few down from curious to downright thirsty.

• Josh Lucas as a young John Dutton is terrific. I wonder if there's a potential prequel series with Lucas one day. #YellowstoneTV - @therealckj
• I am here for a spin-off with Josh Lucas as a young John Dutton! Get on this #YellowstoneTV #joshlucas @sourlemonds
• We actually need a young John Dutton spin off starring Josh Lucas. #YellowstoneTV - @cameow_7
• So… this is totally leading to a Yellowstone prequel with Josh Lucas as a John Dutton AND I AM HERE FOR IT!!! RAWR! #Yellowstone - @txchickidie
• I’m sick and tired of Taylor Sheridan gatekeeping Josh Lucas as John Dutton from me in these flashback scenes. I NEED A WHOLE SEASON OF HIM - @ya_girl_abby4

If only Yellowstone's Twitter page had been responding specifically to fans' calls for Lucas-led spinoffs with this post...

Season 5 episodes air Sunday nights on Paramount Network at 8:00 p.m. ET, and fans can stream Yellowstone’s first four seasons with a Peacock subscription. Head to our 2022 TV premiere schedule to see what else is coming to the small screen soon. 

Yellowstone Season 5 is inarguably one of the most anticipated TV “events” of 2022, as it easily became one of the most-watched shows across multiple platforms with the release of Season 4 the year prior. While we know the new episodes are currently filming in Montana, not much has been said about what fans can expect, beyond Kelly Reilly pointing to Beth Dutton being a seemingly content person when the premiere kicks off. Now, though, Paramount Network has given fans quite a bit more to chew on with a major Season 5 cast update, which includes returning guest stars, a couple of recurring actors getting long-overdue promotions, as well as some brand new faces joining the Yellowstone universe.

When Season 5’s renewal first went public, Paramount Network revealed that just about everyone in the main cast would be returning as series regulars, including Jefferson White as Jimmy and Kathryn Kelly as Jimmy’s now-wife Emily. Only a couple of names were absent from the list, with Piper Perabo later implying her character Summer will be back, and one of those stars is now officially set to return. So let’s dive into all the new updates.

Actors Returning For Yellowstone Season 5

With Season 4 ending in a few troublesome ways for various Dutton family members, particularly Wes Bentley’s totally-screwed-now Jamie, it’s up to any and all potential adversaries to step up and take advantage of the Paradise Valley clan not necessarily being at full strength. (One can never be sure how much longer John will make it before his next heart episode, after all.) Someone who absolutely voiced her intentions to destroy the family and their cherished land is Jacki Weaver’s Caroline Warner and her Market Equities squad, and Weaver was thankfully part of the casting news, along with a few other returning cast members, as noted below:

• Jacki Weaver as Caroline Warner
• Josh Lucas as Young John Dutton
• Kylie Rogers as Young Beth Dutton
• Kyle Red Silverstein as Young Rip Wheeler

Looks like Yellowstone will definitely be heading back into the Dutton family’s past, though not quite as far back into it as it did in Season 4 with the flashbacks to Tim McGraw’s James Dutton and his family. Rather, to the same era we’ve seen in the past, with Josh Lucas’s younger John Dutton as the father of Kylie Rogers’ Beth. Considering where things stand for Jamie, with Kelly Reilly teasing the possibility that Rip could learn the true story behind Beth’s pregnancy and sterilization, it’s possible the flashbacks will return to that time in the characters’ lives, showing us how Beth and Rip’s lives went in the aftermath of those events. 

Actors Being Promoted For Yellowstone Season 5

Just about everyone in Yellowstone brings the goods on a weekly basis, from the actors we see every single week to the ones who only pop in when the story calls for it. Thankfully, two stars from the latter category have been given well-deserved promotions for Season 5. 

Fans can look forward to seeing more from newly established season regulars Mo Brings Plenty and Wendy Moniz when the new season comes around later this year. The former has memorably portrayed the character Mo, Thomas Rainwater’s second-in-command, while Moniz is known for playing the Montana Governor Lynelle Perry, who has spent some time between the sheets and on the streets with John Dutton. One can only assume Lynelle’s increased presence will tie into John running for Governor, assuming that plan actually goes through. 

New Actors Joining Yellowstone Season 5

Considering Yellowstone already has seemingly 100 main cast members within its ensemble, it’s always surprising to hear about new actors joining the fun. (I guess it helps that this show doesn’t back away from killing off anyone who poses a major threat to John and the ranch.) And now we know the following quartet of actors will be popping up in the Season 5 narrative:

• Kai Caster as a young cowboy named Rowdy
• Lainey Wilson as a musician named Abby
• Lilli Kay as Clara Brewer, a new assistant for someone in the Dutton family
• Dawn Olivieri as Sarah Atwood, a new Montana resident known for being a corporate shark

Not a whole lot to build speculation on with those descriptions, but we can make a few guesses. It’s possible that Kai Caster’s Rowdy may enter the mix as a new ranch hand, while Lainey Wilson’s Abby could potentially be a new love interest for Ryan Bingham’s Walker, but that’s mostly just because he’s the show’s central musician at this point. 

One can only assume that Lilly Kay’s Clara Brewer won’t be Beth’s assistant, since that position probably has a faster turnover rate than Murphy Brown secretaries. Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be hard to picture Dawn Olivieri’s Sarah Atwood being one of Caroline Warner’s stooges, or perhaps even one of Caroline’s bosses. It’s hard to know how high up Market Equities’ executive ladder goes, and equally hard to know when they’ll figure out they can’t win against the Duttons. If Sarah ends up being on Beth and John’s side, though, then Caroline better watch her back and her neck. 

While waiting to hear more updates from Yellowstone Season 5, which is set to premiere on Paramount Network on Sunday, November 13, don’t forget the Dutton origin story 1883 is available to stream for anyone with a Paramount+ subscription. 

Reese Witherspoon has been a part of a number of iconic movies over the years, including a short foray into rom-coms in the early ‘00s. The actress worked alongside Mark Ruffalo in Just Like Heaven, Luke Wilson in Legally Blonde and was in the middle of Patrick Dempsey and Josh Lucas in 2002’s Sweet Home Alabama. We do wonder where the country-turned-city girl is nearly twenty years after the film, and apparently so does Josh Lucas.

Josh Lucas, who recently starred in horror film The Forever Purge, played childhood sweethearts with Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama. In the beloved movie, Witherspoon’s character of Melanie has since left her Southern roots behind for NYC but must return to finalize their divorce so she can get married to Patrick Dempsey’s character. Ringing a bell?

Well, Josh Lucas was recently asked about the potential of making a sequel to Sweet Home Alabama during a SiriusXM interview. Here are his thoughts about reprising the role:

Josh Lucas may have been there for the beginning, but he’s very aware of the present life of Reese Witherspoon. She’s busy. The 45-year-old actress has since started her own production company called Hello Sunshine, which produces major movies and TV shows often based on best-selling books. You may have heard about Wild, Gone Girl or Big Little Lies?

As the actor shared, Reese Witherspoon has really made a name for herself over the years and, if anyone has an idea that involves her, they'd better get in line and be worth it because she’s planning projects years in advance right now. Josh Lucas continued:

The actor sounds like he’s not at all surprised about the actress’ success as Sweet Home Alabama turns 20 next year. Although he’d be super pumped about once again playing her Jake, he’s not sure she could fit it into her schedule realistically speaking. It can be noted that Reese Witherspoon is set to reprise her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde 3 soon ahead of a 2022 release date. Returning to a nostalgic role doesn’t look like it’s quite off the table. Plus, the actress totally referenced the movie in a throwback post this week:

It would be sweet to return to Alabama all these years later with these beloved characters. In the meantime, fans will likely be excited to see the other projects Reese Witherspoon has on her plate. The actress is set to reprise her role on The Morning Show and star in two romantic comedies for Netflix, Your Place Or Mine and The Cactus along with producing the movie adaptation of Where The Crawdads Sing. What do you think? Would you like to see a Sweet Home Alabama sequel? Vote in our poll below.

This poll is no longer available.

Josh Lucas stars in the new Purge installment, The Forever Purge, from director Everardo Gout, and he joins the show for an incredible discussion on making the film. Not only that, but we cover some moments throughout his decade-spanning career, the directors and cinematographers he’s chased after, the few he has left on his list, and a great story about turning down Martin Scorsese.

Want More ReelBlend?

Sign up for our premium membership, which includes an extra episode a week, a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes. Also be sure to sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube for full episodes of the show in video form. Finally, we have all kinds of fun merchandise for dedicated Blenders to flaunt their fandom with pride.

When The Purge came out in theaters several years ago, I don’t think anyone expected for it to grow into the huge franchise that it did, on one specific night a year where all of America could literally just kill people and get away with it. However, here we are, many years later, watching the fifth movie in the franchise. I know, I can hardly believe it too. But that’s where we are right now.

The Forever Purge looks like a great addition to an already fun horror franchise, giving more of a dystopian sort of feel rather than just the plain horror. The movie, serving as a followup to the events of The Purge: Election Year (as The First Purge, which released more recently, was a prequel) appears to offer a different feel than some of the others, and a nice change. The Forever Purge cast has been around the block before, with plenty of films and TV roles up their sleeves, some of which you might have seen. Let’s take a look into why some of those faces look so familiar in The Forever Purge.

Ana de la Reguera (Adela)

As one of the leading characters in The Forever Purge, Adela doesn’t screw around and she gets stuff done, no matter what. You would never expect any less from the woman playing Adela, Ana de la Reguera. The actress has appeared in many telenovelas and Spanish films, creating a big name for herself amongst the Spanish community. However, if you’re thinking, “No, I’ve definitely seen her somewhere else before,” she’s been in plenty other than that.

For example, Ana de la Reguera tested her comedy skills by having a role in the Jack Black-leaded film, Nacho Libre back in 2006. If you’re thinking you’ve seen her in drama, you might have seen her as Carla in the film, Everything, Everything. Or if action is more your scene, maybe you saw her in Cowboys & Aliens. She also played the role of Elisa Alvaro in Narcos.

However, 2021 has also been de la Reguera’s year, because other than starring in The Forever Purge, she also had a lead role in the Netflix original film, Army of the Dead alongside Dave Bautista. Truly, she’s been all over the film world. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Tenoch Huerta (Juan)

The second half of this bad-ass Spanish-speaking couple is Juan, the man who is the partner of Adela. Behind Juan, we get to see the acting talents of Tenoch Huerta, really for the first time in a starring role in a major film. Huerta, while he has been in several Spanish films as well as big-time blockbusters like Spectre and Tigers Are Not Afraid, hasn’t really had the spotlight on him, but The Forever Purge gave him a chance to shine.

However, in terms of television, Tenoch Huerta has been in plenty. Huerta portrayed Alejandro Munoz, otherwise known as the Blue Demon in the biographical television show, Blue Demon, based on the life of the famous wrestler. But, if you’re thinking you’ve seen him somewhere else, you’re not wrong, as Tenoch had a main role of portraying famous drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero in Narcos: Mexico on Netflix. Talk about someone who has an amazing range.

Josh Lucas (Dylan Tucker)

Dylan Tucker may not be one of those doing the purging in The Forever Purge, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be scared of him. He knows how to handle a shotgun well. Josh Lucas is definitely someone you have seen around the block once or twice when it comes to Hollywood. In terms of film, Lucus has done plenty in so many genres, including a role in the psychological film, American Psycho, starring alongside Reese Witherspoon in Sweet Home Alabama, playing Leo Beebe in Ford V. Ferrari and so many more.

In terms of television, Lucas has also appeared in a couple of television films and episodes of TV shows but had a main role in the police procedural comedy-drama, The Mysteries of Laura on NBC, and a recurring role  as young John Dutton on the drama series, Yellowstone. With someone who has done as much as he has, it’s likely you've seen him before his appearance in The Forever Purge.

Cassidy Freeman (Emma Kate Tucker)

Playing Dylan Tucker's better half, Emma Kate Tucker, is Cassidy Freeman. Freeman herself hasn’t done a lot of films, with most of her work in that department being in short films. However, TV has been her home for quite some time.

Her most-known role was portraying Tess Mercer in the popular WB (later moved to The CW) show, Smallville, a superhero show that focuses on the origins of one of the most famous superheroes - Superman. Other than that, Cassidy Freeman has had plenty of guest roles in television, such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and The Vampire Diaries, before getting another main role in Longmire, a Western drama. Currently, she stars as Amber Gemstone in HBO original, The Righteous Gemstones, so keep an eye out for this versatile actress. I hope that The Forever Purge will open more doors for her in the film world too.

Leven Rambin (Dylan’s Sister)

Every bad-ass shot-gun-wielding cowboy needs a family behind him, and that’s where Dylan’s sister comes into play throughout The Forever Purge. Leven Rambin portrays the family member in the horror film and has done plenty prior to her role. In The Hunger Games, Rambin played rival to Katniss, Glimmer. After her role in the famous film, you might have seen her in other blockbuster hits such as Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, The Big Ugly, or the 2020-Oscar-nominated film, Mank.

Prior to her roles in film, however, Leven Rambin had a main role in the soap opera, All My Children from 2004-2010, portraying Lily Montgomery and Ava Benton – two characters in one show? Now that’s some talent. Rambin also went on to have parts in a variety of other shows, such as Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles and Grey’s Anatomy, both of which were recurring roles. One of her most recent main roles was in NBC police-procedural crime drama, Gone, which came out in 2017, portraying a former child abduction victim.

Alejandro Edda

Prior to his role in The Forever Purge, Alejandro Edda has been around the block a little, with not just film and TV but with video games as well. Like some of his other castmates, Edda has had many roles in Spanish films, but if you’re thinking you’ve seen him before, you aren’t wrong. In 2017, Alejandro had a part in the Tom Cruise-led film, American Made, and a part in the Netflix original film, Reality High.

With television, there’s probably a higher chance you’ve seen him. Not only did he portray Marco in Fear the Walking Dead back in 2016, since Narcos: Mexico premiered, Alejandro Edda has starred as the famous drug lord, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman in the popular original Netflix show, and had a voice role in the animated show, Dreamworks Dragons: Rescue Riders. If you’re still wondering where you might have seen him recently, Alejandro Edda also had a pretty prominent role as Manny Alvarez in the hit game, The Last of Us: Part II in 2020. Truly, a jack of all trades.

Will Patton (Caleb Tucker)

Playing the role of Caleb Tucker in The Forever Purge, Will Patton has been around in Hollywood for several decades. With some appearances as early as the eighties for this awesome actor (including a role in the Madonna movie, Desperately Seeking Susan), Patton has had plenty of roles in films, such as the biographical sports film, Remember the Titans, the vigilante action film The Punisher, the famous sequel to one of the most-known horror films of all time, Halloween, and even Paul in the Academy-Award winning film, Minari.

Will Patton has also had a very prominent TV career, with almost too many appearances to talk about. Some of his highlights were portraying Kentucky Bluebird in Search for Tomorrow, Jackson Haisley in The Agency, Captain Dan Weaver in Falling Skies, and a prominent recurring role in the drama series mentioned before, Yellowstone. If none of those roles ring a bell, you may also recognize him as Chick, the father seeking redemption with his estranged ex and young son in the '90s disaster film, Armageddon.

Even with all that he’s done, I can’t wait to see what else he does soon – especially the new upcoming Halloween Kills film.

All of these 2021 movies have me so excited! Which one of these actors or actresses are you most excited to see after watching them in The Forever Purge?

Remember when Christian Bale and Josh Lucas starred in Ford v Ferrari last year? Well, that actually wasn’t the first time those two actors appeared in the same movie. In fact, earlyish on in both of their careers the two men appeared together in American Psycho, but Josh Lucas and his cohorts were clearly less impressed by Christian Bale's acting during the 2000 movie than they presumably were for Ford v Ferrari (which led to Bale being nominated for a Golden Globe).

Mary Harron’s now well-known film actually really worked to jumpstart Christian Bale's career, but as Josh Lucas mentioned to Bale himself, other actors on the set of American Psycho did not get what Bale was going for with the character of Patrick Bateman at all. In fact, per Bale, he was recently told by Lucas that people thought he was honestly “terrible” at acting while the movie was filming. Here's a portion of the quote from the interview in MovieMaker's American Psycho Oral History...

Looking back, it may seem like this was a really silly take on the actor and the character from some of the other people on the set. We know now that Christian Bale takes plenty of chances as an actor (you need look no further than the weight loss and gains he’s endured for roles to know that). We also know that American Psycho is a cult classic and very well-regarded by a lot of individuals, but as Christian Bale admitted in the interview, the cast at the time didn’t.

In fact, a lot of people didn’t.

Cast Members Were Not The Only Ones Unnerved By American Psycho

In fact, we’re only a few weeks removed from learning famed director and critic Kevin Smith hated the movie so much the first time he saw it he couldn’t even face having dinner with American Psycho’s writer, Guinevere Turner.

Also, when American Psycho was first showing itself to viewers, director Mary Harron has repeatedly said people didn’t really know how to react. The stories surrounding American Psycho’s screening at Sundance are actually very similar to the reactions that audiencegoers had the first time that Fight Club screened. Per Harron:

Like American Psycho, Fight Club was a very different kind of movie with a very different tone. While Brad Pitt and Ed Norton found it funny, that wasn’t true of everyone initially. People even exited the screening early because it made them so uncomfortable.

An Even Odder Fight Club And American Psycho Connection

I mostly bring up Fight Club because it had such a similarly weird trajectory to success, but there’s also a side story worth mentioning here. Originally, before Mary Harron was involved with American Psycho, there was going to be a version with David Cronenberg.

A few years ago American Psycho book writer Brett Easton Ellis admitted there was a version with David Cronenberg that would have starred Brad Pitt, as well. Even Mary Harron had to work to get Christian Bale on board and approved by the studio for the movie, as Moviemaker also mentioned that at one point it would have starred Leonardo DiCaprio. So it wasn't as if if Bale was first choice here.

It was Harron who fought for Bale behind the scenes over Leo DiCaprio, given she didn’t want a movie star as the lead and wanted complete control over the movie. She also just thought Christian Bale was better for the part. The rest is history.

Although Christian Bale knew about the casting from the studio's perspective, he stuck with the movie through a lengthy period of developmental hell. However, when it finally got to filming it seems he didn’t know the types of things his co-stars like Josh Lucas, who plays Patrick Bateman’s work pal Craig McDermott in the movie, were saying outside of the actual takes.

Years later, bygones seem to be bygones and Christian Bale seems more bemused by the story than upset about it. Regardless, this past year when the two actors were onscreen together again, Bale got to play the hero in Ford v Ferrari, Ken Miles, while Josh Lucas was the villain Leo Beebe (a real life executive who may not really have gotten his due in the movie). Lucas is still in a suit for this flick, but at least his claim to fame in James Mangold’s movie doesn’t revolve around a business card.

Ford v Ferrari is available on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital, as is the always-classic American Psycho.

A&E’s cast-contingent pilot Occult has finally found the two leads it needed to go forward with production. Picked up back in September, the X-Files-like drama project has found its stars in Josh Lucas (The Firm) and Lynn Collins (True Blood).

The duo will play a Mulder-and-Scully-esque team of FBI agents investigating cases for the new occult crimes task force, Deadline says. Lucas will play Dolan, an agent recently returned to work after a breakdown following the investigation into his wife’s disappearance - more X-Files-like backstory here, only Mulder’s obsession was with his sister's disappearance obsessed. Collins is on board to play Noa Blair, an agent whose specialty is the occult. She also has a complicated history, although at the moment we aren’t being given any information on what that might be.

Josh Lucas starred in the short-lived legal drama The Firm last year. His film career has been more successful and includes American Pyscho and Sweet Home Alabama; more recently he appeared in the Nicolas Cage-starring movie Stolen. Lynn Collins’ most recent TV appearance was on True Blood’s first season. On the film side she appeared in last year's John Carter and Unconditional.

Occult comes from Michael Bay of the Transformers movie franchise. Adding to the strong feeling of similarity to The X-Files is the fact that a writer from that show, James Wong, is on board for A&E’s take on the genre. He executive produces along with Bay, Andrew Form, and Brad Fuller of Platinum Dunes. With the project ready to start production , the biggest hurdle now will be putting a fresh face on a concept already done very well on both The X-Files and Fringe.

One of the shows that may have flown under the radar with the recent NBC mid-schedule announcement was The Firm. It's not the new legal drama's fault that Community fans would instantly realize their show was absent and therefore steal the new series' thunder (as well as the thunder of any/all of the other mid-season premieres). Yep. NBC really shot itself it the foot there, but at least they have The Firm to help cover everything up.

It never hurts when a series is based on a pre-existing popular property -- in this case, across two mediums -- that is associated with two giant stars in their respective fields. Of course, I am referring to author John Grisham (a rare literary household name) and actor Tom Cruise. The 1998 film came out pretty much in Maverick's prime, and both it and the book were big hits. The new show won't have Tom Cruise, but it does have a pretty great cast as well as the participation and blessing of Grisham.

The cast includes Josh Lucas taking over the Mitchell McDeere role made famous by Tom Cruise, with Molly Parker playing his wife Abby. Other notable actors in the series include Tricia Helfer, Callum Keith Rennie, and the great Juliette Lewis. Too bad there's no Hal Holbrook, I love that guy. I originally thought that the series was simply remaking the novel/film and extending the story to last over a few seasons (if they're lucky enough to last past the initial, but confident, 22-episode order), however, it is a full-on sequel taking place a decade after the previous story. Just when Mitch thought he was out, they pulled him back in...take a look.

The Firm debuts with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, January 8th, 2012, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. It will then air regularly on Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET starting January 12th.

Official synopsis from NBC:

NBC's The Firm, a television sequel to the hit John Grisham-adapted film from the early 1990s that starred Tom Cruise, has been alternating between good and bad news as the show preps to shoot this month in Toronto. After lining up a pretty solid cast, the legal drama ironically got embroiled in a legal-rights dispute between CBS and NBC. However, this snafu hasn't stopped the show's casting efforts, and now another talented actress is joining The Firm.

Before diving into the casting news, it's worth taking a minute to discuss the roller-coaster ride of bringing this once best-selling property to the small screen. It seems that series creator/writer Lukas Reiter first brought the project to CBS three years back before retooling the show and landing at NBC. However, CBS is claiming that Reiter did so without their permission, hence the legal objections (for more detail on the rights issues, check out Leslie's piece here).

Kelly, in her posts about the show throughout the various stages of development, has already voiced some concerns (which I completely share): namely why bring a 15+ year old project to television when, let's face it, there is little cachet left in the property, or even in John Grisham. Despite all these fears, Kelly and I also agree that they are at least assembling formidable actors to take on the project (first by casting Josh Lucas and then Juliette Lewis and Callum Keith Rennie). This trend continues with the latest hire, Molly Parker.

THR announced that "Deadwood's Molly Parker has landed the female lead opposite Josh Lucas in NBC's upcoming series The Firm. Parker will play Abby in the legal drama, based on John Grisham's best-selling novel." She will play Lucas' wife, Abby McDeere (played by Jeanne Tripplehorn in the Tom Cruise flick) on the show and brings her pedigree to the project as a former cast-member of Deadwood and Dexter. Good news for a project that has been getting more of the bad variety of late.

The show is set 10 years after the novel/film and finds McDeere (Lucas) returning to the law after years in witness protection. Production will commence this month in Toronto, filming a full 22-episode order, and is scheduled to air in the post-Sunday Night Football slot on NBC.

Taking the plunge and deciding to have a child is life changing enough; imagine having no plans for kids and all of a sudden having a little one running around the house. That’s what happens to Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel in Life as We Know It. They play Holly and Eric, two people who only tolerate each other for the sake of their mutual best friends and their beautiful baby girl, Sophie. When tragedy strikes and their friends pass away, Sophie is left in Holly and Eric’s care. Now not only do they have to put their differences aside and shack up together, but the former rivals have to completely rearrange their lives for Sophie, too.

Clearly Life as We Know It isn’t a straightforward comedy. It comes packed with hilarious poop-filled moments, but there’s also an underlying sadness due to the event that brings Holly, Eric and Sophie together and director Greg Berlanti knows it. He and his producers, Paul Brooks and Barry Josephson, as well as the writers, Ian Deitchman and Kristin Rusk Robinson, were all well aware of the challenge the mix of genre would pose when it came to getting a studio’s green light. Clearly their dedication and passion for the story paid off because come October 8th, Life as We Know It will hit theaters nationwide.

To promote the project the gang all came out for a press conference to talk about everything from working with the Clagett triplets playing Sophie to handling the film’s atypical romantic comedy nature down to the parallel between this story and Heigl’s real life experience adopting a child. Even with some very serious topics circulating the panel, laughs were abound from beginning to end. Check it all out in the interview below.

To the writers, why set the story in Atlanta, for Greg, how was it shooting there and for the actors, what were your impressions of the city?

Ian Deitchman: Well, we didn’t actually set it originally in Atlanta. [Laughs]

Greg Berlanti: I think the draft was in Cleveland, right?

Deitchman: Yeah, it was definitely in Cleveland.

Berlanti: That’s right. And then the studio told us there’s rebates in Atlanta and …

Heigl: Tada!

Berlanti: Anyway, it was really wonderful to shoot and it just feels different by virtue of the fact that a lot of other Hollywood films are shot in more traditional places or places they shot a lot before. We shot in Buckhead and it plays for the community that the family lives in and it’s also where I was staying while I was there. I grew up back east and it reminded me of home and a small community. It was a terrific place to shoot. We shot the stadium as well. Barry, do you want to chime in about that?

Barry Josephson: The Atlanta Hawks were great to us and the city really came out for us. We were able to shoot the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA games, we were able to shoot inside the building. Everybody really jumped in and really was helpful to us, so it was a great association and it enabled us to really allow Josh’s character, a sport director, to really see that inside and out.

Josh Duhamel: I got to go to the WNBA game, actually for research on a part. Barry was able to set up a tour of the directing booth at the WNBA basketball game.

This movie starts off with a nightmare of a date. What are some of your own worst fix-ups?

Heigl: I’ve never been fixed-up. Have you ever been fixed-up?

Duhamel: No. I’ve had plenty of awkward moments.

Heigl: Yes, lots of those.

Duhamel: I was always in relationships for long times. Dating always scared the crap out of me, for this reason. This is a good example of why I couldn’t date.

Heigl: So then how’d you end up in the relationship?

Duhamel: [Laughs] Well, I had to make very sure that I wanted to date this person.

Heigl: So you’d just stalk her for a while and then …

Duhamel: Yes, I would do a complete recon. I made sure that I wanted to be with them before.

Heigl: Interesting and weird. [Laughs]

Duhamel: You know when you really have feelings for someone, you don’t just want to, ‘Oh, I might like her, I guess I’ll go …’

Heigl: So you’ve never met anybody in a bar and went out on a dinner date the next night and had a terrible time? That never happened to you?

Duhamel: Well, I’m sure it did. I just don’t …

Heigl: Recall?

Duhamel: I was so drunk before, I don’t remember. [Laughs]

Heigl: I have a couple, but the worst was a trainer. I was like 18, 20 lbs heavier and trying real hard to work it off at the gym and my trainer asked me out and he shaved his legs and not that there’s anything wrong with that, if anyone here does …

Josh Lucas: Greg … [Laughs]

Berlanti: It was for cycling!

Heigl: He took me to Sizzler, gave me his headshot and asked I could get him into my agency.

How do you introduce yourself to baby actors and make them comfortable?

Duhamel: Barry, Paul and Greg, before we ever started shooting, they had me go to Atlanta a little early just to acclimate myself with the kids and get them to be comfortable with me. That was huge for us in the movie because they really responded to me. [Katherine] was in the middle of adopting her own child at the time, so she couldn’t come early, but I went out there and I got to know these kids really well before we ever started shooting and it was helpful because you didn’t really have to take them off the set all the time. They could stay there and they could play and they could live on the set while we were shooting and it made them feel comfortable.

But could it also be because all girls like you?

Heigl: Could be. And so do little boys! All children like Josh.

Duhamel: I have an affinity for kids and I think it’s because we can understand each other on the same …

Heigl: Emotional level. [Laughs]

Katherine, what did you do to get comfortable with them?

Heigl: Took control! It’s an alpha thing. They just need to know who’s in charge. It’s like animals. No, I’m just kidding. [Laughs] Thankfully I had just gotten familiar with the holding and the comforting of a child, so I could kind of do that mother instinct thing a little bit, but it was still so new to me. There’s a lot of letting go. If they’re cranky or they’re tired or they’re uncomfortable or they’re crying, the more uptight you get, the more uptight you’re going to make them, so we had to do a lot of breathing exercises and just stay calm and be patient and not obviously take it personally. I mean I just can’t take it personally, but [Josh] was fantastic with working hard to get to know those babies and I kind of had to do it cold and they did not like me as much.

Duhamel: That’s not true.

Heigl: At least I had one in my trailer who did!

Katherine, can you talk a little about the parallels relating to your character since you were a new mother yourself while filming this?

Heigl: Yeah, it was all parallels. I was living on camera what I was living in my life down to the tiniest little things like the outfits that they put the triplets in for a scene, my daughter might have come to work in that day. I watched the movie recently and thought it’s sort of a living journal because it reminds me of those first few months with this nine-month-old baby who was so new to me and I was so new to her and all the little things that go along with that, what kind of diapers you use and what kind of wipes and what kind of Pack n’ Play. We have the same Pack n’ Play as the one in the movie and it all just forever reminds me of that time and it was really intense and really glorious and certainly very overwhelming, but Holly was me and I was her and that’s that because I didn’t even have to act. I was scared.

Writing babies in a script has to be different than what happens on the set, right?

Kristin Rusk Robinson: Yeah, you can write that the baby looks vulnerable in this moment, says ‘Mama’ in this moment, but it’s such another thing when you saw it in film and the dailies, these beautiful little triplets who play her was so emotional.

Josephson: Greg had a remarkable instinct about which of the triplets would do what in any given moment. No matter what baby wranglers there were, Greg just had this amazing instinct for, ‘Bring Brynn, bring Brooke, this is the reason why I know this moment,’ and the wranglers would report directly to Greg saying, ‘Okay, this baby’s rested, this baby’s slept,’ and to make a performance out of it was remarkable and Greg was always right about that.

Berlanti: Well, I’m more cynical about babies I think than most people. They’re really fully formed people by the time they’re 15 months. [Laughs] They did try and pretend they’re babies and they don’t know what’s going. [Laughs] They each did have personality, so you’d go into the back room and the shy baby was the baby that would emerge on the set and was all happy and giggly and the baby that was the happiest where we kept them in the baby holding area, we brought her on the set and every time she’d burst into tears, did not want anything to have to do with any of us. It becomes a logistical thing of planning so that you cannot waste any time, but actually still be there and get, hopefully, the most original and really genuine moments on film.

Can you tell us about your amazing supporting cast?

Berlanti: We cast a lot of really fresh faces. Katie was always really supportive of that as a producer on the movie, bringing fresh and original faces to the film so it didn’t feel like other films. We cast a lot of people out of [Upright Citizen’s Brigade] and Groundlings and real comedians. Andrew Daly, Kumail Nanjiani, Melissa McCarthy, Will Sasso, Jessica St. Clair, they’re known on the improv circuit, but their not known totally to America.

Have you ever tried to hook up any of your friends?

Heigl: Yes.

Q: How’d it turn out?

Heigl: It’s still unclear because it happened recently. Chris Jacobs is really good friends with my husband and we set him up with my best friend, Cheyenne Ellis, who is also my stunt double, and we did it in a mixed crowd, everybody’s at the house so it wasn’t awkward. Well, they kind of did [know about it], but we asked each one to play off like they didn’t. It was handled so poorly and I blame Josh Kelley for that completely. But they actually did connect and have a nice time and I think Chris wanted to see her again, but everybody’s been traveling so much. I told Josh Kelley, ‘Don’t tell Chris that this is happening. Just invite him to come out for dinner. Cheyenne will just be there. Let’s let them figure it out for themselves.’ Of course [Josh Duhamel] goes and tells him, immediately, ‘This girl’s going to be here; you’ve got to meet her,’ and we already told her, I said, ‘No, you’ve got to only tell one person.’ [Laughs] I won’t do it again.

Duhamel: I would never try to set anybody up with my friends.

Heigl: Guys don’t want to do that.

Lucas: I just try and set up one-night stands. [Laughs]

The film almost brings a television-like experience to the theater. What were your thoughts on that?

Berlanti: It is in a way, a more human-interest story and a smaller story and so we were always very cognizant [of that]. 50% of the film takes place in one house and I was certainly coming out of working a lot in television. We were very cognizant from the start of how do we make this a movie, but not a TV show and separate that. We shot on Super 35 to give a much more wide screen experience when typically you wouldn’t do that with a baby because you can’t always frame the baby in, but we really wanted the scope and size of film and not a television show. Also, obviously everything from the actors and the emotions and the moments and the way that you scope the emotional experience and the surprises, we tried to get we got really risqué with some of the humor. We knew that when we first brought the movie in we got an R-rating, had to cut some stuff out and get back into a PG-13, which we got, so we knew that things like the pot brownies was important and things like that that take the audience out and go, ‘Wow, this is more than just that.’

The great thing about going to see it at the movies is you get to go on that whole emotional experience with other people. Having worked in television for so many years, you’re deprived of watching the audience react unless you break into somebody’s living room; you don’t get to enjoy it with them. Having seen this now on the big screen with the audience, I think it’s time for a film like this that really is emotional and smart and funny and incredibly well acted, incredibly well told to just bring people on a journey and I think that that’s what the audience craves now more than anything, both at home and in the theaters.

Q: But did you think about making it in 3D?

Berlanti: [Laughs] Only the scenes with the baby poop.

Josh, a lot of Messer’s charm comes from his overgrown kid-like persona. Do you see yourself as a big kid? Also, what was your reaction when you saw the poster?

Duhamel: I think people would probably agree that I’ve got a lot of kid in me, but that’s all right. If you ask any of my friends or my wife, I think they would probably agree with that. And the movie poster itself [laughs], I don’t think it’s sexy. If you look closely it looks like they superimposed a 65-year-old man’s legs on me. I think I need to get a little more exercise. Greg and I actually talked a lot about this. I didn’t want to do a lot of shirtless things or things that are just for gratuity. If I was going to do it, I wanted it to be funny. [Greg] actually pitched this moment in the movie. He said, ‘I know you don’t want to do a lot of the shirtless stuff in this movie, but listen. We’ll have the baby walk past in a diaper and her little pink Converse and her baby bottle. Do you mind walking past in your high-tops, your underwear and a beer bottle?’ I said, ‘That’s funny; I’ll do it.’ And here it is on the movie poster.

Michael Lander's Peacock promises to be an interesting piece. Cillian Murphy plays John Skillpa, a quiet bank clerk living in the town of Peacock, Nebraska, and after a train crashes in his backyard, he can no longer hide the secret of his multiple personality, Emma, who takes care of him. If that's not weird enough, after he reveals his secret to the town, he has to convince them that his personalities are husband and wife. What?!

The movie is slated as a psychological thriller, and after that description the most intriguing part of the film seems like it would be just how they make that synopsis taught and suspenseful. The tag line is “If he only knew what she was doing,” so one might surmise that “she” starts doing a little murdering along with his laundry.

The first images from the film dropped today over at Shock Till You Drop and at least one will turn a few heads. We're getting not only our first look at the cast, but our first look at Emma, which turns out to be the Scarecrow in full drag. It's not RuPaul drag, he's just dressed as a nice lady you might see about town. It's an interesting look to be sure.

The cast is chock full of greats starting with Cillian Murphy, followed by Susan Sarandon, Ellen Page, Bill Pullman and Josh Lucas. This whole idea sounds like it's going to be incredibly fascinating whether it's a thriller or not. We'll be keeping a close look out for more information as well as a trailer which can't bee too far behind.

Oh, now it's going to get confusing. I've never really been able to tell the difference between Josh Lucas and Josh Duhamel, both of them pretty boys with well-coiffed blondish hair around the same age. And now they're going to be part of the same movie, with Josh Lucas joining the cast of Life As We Know It, the weepie in which Josh Duhamel and Katherine Heigl have to raise a kid together after their mutual best friends die in a car crash.

The Variety article doesn't say which role Lucas will be playing, so or all I know, he could be playing Duhamel's stand-in. If he becomes a romantic rival for Heigl's attentions, forget it-- I'm never going to be able to tell these guys apart. And you know, it seems like at this point, they might be intentionally trying to confuse me.