Spencer Hudnut will serve as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner, with Taylor Sheridan as executive producer alongside David C. Glasser, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, and Bob Yari from 101 Studios. Grimes is also set to executive produce the series and star in it. Y: Marshals is the latest Yellowstone spin-off to receive the green light from CBS, joining other prequel spin-offs like 1883 and 1923, and upcoming series like 1944, 6666, The Madison (starring Michelle Pfeiffer), and the Beth and Rip spin-off that’s still in early development. With so many spin-offs, the question is, does Yellowstone need this many?
‘Y: Marshals’ Will Focus on Kacey Dutton and Explore His Military Background
“You know I’ve got one child I miss. One child I pity. One I regret. But that girl, that child, I envy.”
People have deduced that the child he misses is Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), the one he pities is Kacey, the one he regrets is Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), and the one he envies is Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly). In fact, during a sit-down with Cinemablend, Grimes confirms that he believes John pities Kacey.
“I think he pities him, because clearly what happened to him overseas when he was at war messed him up to his core… I think he pities him just because he knows it’s not his fault, but he’s got a lot of demons.”
The Spin-off Could Attract a Wider Audience by Narrowing the Story
If the main series had continued, there’s a possibility that the overall story could’ve become convoluted with the other B storylines, making it difficult for the audience to follow, thus leading to a loss in viewership. Yes, the idea of another spin-off sounds overwhelming and can make the story difficult to follow. However, this is a sequel spin-off, so as the viewer, you decide whether to tune into the prequels and the main series or stay focused on the main series and everything that follows. Y: Marshals may also attract new viewers who haven’t seen Yellowstone or saw the series and weren’t captivated by it, but were interested in Kacey and his family.
‘Y: Marshals’ Is a Refreshing Narrative Outside the Dutton Ranch
As fans know, the Dutton ranch was sold to Chief Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and the Broken Rock Reservation at the end of the final season of Yellowstone, bringing the Dutton legacy to an end. Closing this chapter of the Dutton family’s story creates an opportunity for the screenwriters and showrunners to start from scratch and allow new narratives that are just as complex and compelling as Yellowstone.
Grimes’ character is a perfect place to start, given the complexity of the character, and centering his story around the idea of finding peace after his father’s death and selling his family’s legacy. His journey will undoubtedly see him struggle to create his own legacy and decide what he wants it to represent. Y: Marshals is scheduled to release in 2026.