Yellowstone’s prequel is receiving a significant boost in star power. Tom Hanks, a two-time Academy Award winner, will appear in the second episode of 1883 as General George Mead, in a guest-starring role.
After the horrific Battle of Antietam in the Civil War, Hanks’ General Mead would look down on James Dutton (Tom McGraw) in the episode. General Mead’s gloved hand falls on his shoulder as he suffers from a concussion. The Civil War combat took the lives of approximately 22,700 troops on both sides, making it the bloodiest day in American history, and one in which James Dutton came dangerously close to dying. According to Deadline, Taylor Sheridan, the creator of 1883, claimed that in addition to Hanks, the first season of the Paramount+ series will feature other “surprise” guest stars.
The Battle of Antietam follows a scene in which Billy Bob Thornton plays a tough-guy sheriff in Fort Worth who goes after a gang of horse thieves who prey on settlers traveling west into Montana.
Sheridan, a former actor turned showrunner, is currently riding high on the popularity of Yellowstone, which has swiftly become the streaming service’s flagship series. Sheridan’s ability to secure high-profile stars as guest stars in 1883 isn’t his only ace in the hole. In addition to 1883, Sheridan is developing Kansas City, a new series starring Sylvester Stallone.
The Show1883 will chronicle the story of how the Dutton family came to control America’s largest ranch in Montana. It’s a brutal past, full of hazardous decisions that resulted in the once-poverty-stricken family amassing vast wealth in their homeland. 1883 will also feature Sam Elliott, Faith Hill, Isabel May, and Lamonica Garrett, in addition to McGraw and Thornton.
Yellowstone’s prequel 1883 will premiere on December 19, Paramount+.
