Yellowstone fans, brace yourselves! The Yellowstone universe is expanding with a brand-new spin-off series that’s been kept under wraps until now. While we’ve already been captivated by shows like Why Marshalls, Dutton Ranch, The Madison, and 4 Sixs, Taylor Sheridan has been quietly working on yet another exciting addition—Rio Palo. This fresh installment will take us deep into Texas territory, a region only briefly touched upon in the original Yellowstone series. Now, Texas becomes the stage for yet another compelling Dutton saga, and the anticipation is building.

So, what’s in a name? Rio Palo translates directly from Spanish as “stick river.” At first glance, the title may seem a bit puzzling for a western-themed show. Is it referring to an actual river? Or is it symbolic—a hint at a treacherous crossing or a dangerous passage? Fans of the Yellowstone franchise will remember how rivers have been significant metaphors in previous installments, especially in 1883, where rivers were literally grounds for death and transformation. Clearly, Taylor Sheridan has a fondness for weaving rivers into his storytelling as powerful symbols, so Rio Palo will likely follow suit.

The production has kicked off in the quaint town of Ferris, Texas, located roughly 20 miles south of Dallas. Ferris’s city manager, Brooks Williams, has shared insights about the filming, revealing that the crew is busy on a ranch featuring a stunning mansion that’s set to be a central location in the new series. But the shoot isn’t limited to this ranch alone—they’re capturing the essence of downtown Ferris, its outskirts, and other picturesque spots boasting unique landscapes and varying elevations. Williams noted that some locations look so untouched and natural, you’d hardly realize you’re so close to the bustling Dallas metro area. Production is expected to last about four months, promising a comprehensive look at the region.

Ferris isn’t the only Texas town getting its moment in the spotlight. The filming will soon move to Cleburn, Weatherford, and Rio Vista later this month. Social media chatter hints that some filming has already begun in Mineral Wells, another Texas town known for its cinematic Old West charm. These locations suggest a rich tapestry of settings—from rugged ranchlands to small-town streets and rustic bars—that will bring the Rio Palo world vividly to life.

Casting calls have given fans intriguing sneak peeks into the types of scenes we can expect. For example, an August 15th scene requires children to appear as visitors to a prisoner, accompanied by a wife character and one of the inmates. That same day, casting directors are looking for someone to play the brother of another prisoner. This strongly implies that a prison storyline is part of the narrative. The last time prison featured prominently in Yellowstone was when Summer was incarcerated, so speculation is rife whether she might make a return—or if these are entirely new characters tied to the penal system. Given Summer’s polarizing presence in the original series, some viewers might groan at the prospect of seeing her again, while others are more curious about fresh faces stepping into this role.

In addition to the prison plot, a rodeo sequence is scheduled for August 21st and 22nd. The production is calling for rodeo participants, contest-goers, and even beer concession workers, promising a lively and authentic depiction of rodeo culture. Boys aged 16 to 19 are sought to play friends of a character named Dalton—a name that’s new to the Yellowstone canon but already generating buzz. Who Dalton is remains a mystery, but he’s expected to be a key figure worth watching.

When the rodeo was first mentioned, some fans feared the return of the notorious Travis—Taylor Sheridan’s often criticized self-insert character known for his cringe-worthy moments, including bragging about dating Bella Hadid. Fortunately, the focus seems to be on Dalton, a fresh character, which could signal a new dynamic without revisiting old, divisive ones. Rumor has it that Matthew McConaughey might be involved in the series as Dalton. McConaughey, a Texas native, is in talks with Taylor Sheridan about joining the Yellowstone franchise. His casting would bring star power and authenticity to the Texas setting, and fans are hopeful this spin-off will be the vehicle for his debut in the Yellowstone world.

Filming moves to Rio Vista on August 26th for bar scenes, where they’re casting regular bar patrons and even patrons with vehicles, suggesting lively social settings will play a role in the story. Another interesting tidbit is that the production is looking for a photo double for Colombian actor Juan Pablo Raba, confirming his involvement in the cast. Raba brings significant experience and charisma from his previous work, and his pairing with McConaughey (if rumors hold true) could provide electrifying chemistry, possibly as partners in crime or complex allies.

Fans of 1883 will be excited to hear about potential returns from the earlier series, specifically Isabelle May, known for playing Elsa Dutton. Elsa’s storyline was tragically cut short, leaving fans wanting more. Rumors suggest she might appear in flashback scenes, giving new depth to her brief but impactful romance with a Native American soldier. The show might explore intimate moments and dialogue that shed light on how Elsa’s passing shaped the soldier’s life. This idea has generated excitement for those hoping to see beloved characters brought back in meaningful ways.

Production is also casting for a male ambulance driver for scenes in Ferris on August 18th, hinting at a major accident that could shake up the storyline. Hopefully, this won’t be another explosive ambush like the ones seen in Yellowstone Season 4—starting a new series with massive destruction might overshadow its character-driven drama.

Taylor Sheridan is known for grounding his stories in real-world geography, and the choice of filming locations speaks volumes. Ferris, with its sprawling ranchlands and hidden topography, is perfectly suited to serve as the home base for a ranching family tied to that mysterious mansion on the main ranch set. Cleburn and Weatherford’s strong rodeo traditions suggest competitive rodeo events will be integral to the plot. Rio Vista’s rural bar scenes promise a social hub where characters can interact, while Mineral Wells, known for its cinematic Old West vibe, may serve as a backdrop for flashbacks or historical storytelling.

Post-production on Taylor Sheridan’s projects typically takes several months, so fans can likely expect Rio Palo to premiere on Paramount Plus sometime in mid to late 2026. The anticipation is already mounting for this new chapter in the Yellowstone saga.

For ongoing updates, deep dives, and community discussions about Rio Palo and the larger Yellowstone universe, don’t forget to like and follow. Meanwhile, check out the trailer on screen for a first glimpse at what’s to come.