Is 1883 Season 2 synonymous with the new Paramount series Lawmen: Bass Reeves? Here's what we know about the upcoming content.
Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan's highly popular Western drama featuring Kevin Costner, made its debut on television in 2018. The show has continued to gain momentum and is currently in its fifth season.
1883 Season 2 will take on a new form, as Lawmen: Bass Reeves enters the Yellowstone universe.
Is 1883 Season 2 happening?
1883 isn’t exactly getting a Season 2 – but initially, Lawmen: Bass Reeves was thought to be its replacement.
1883 is followed by its sequel series, 1923, which also occurs prior to the events of Yellowstone. Additionally, the show Lawmen: Bass Reeves will continue the story of the renowned lawman, as confirmed by TV Line. The expansion of the Yellowstone universe continues with the introduction of another spinoff called 6666, which will center around the Four Sixes Ranch located in West Texas.
As for a direct follow-up to 1883, Sheridan said he “wanted to make a ten-hour movie that ended, and that’s what we did,” so don’t expect one in a hurry.
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"I crafted this glimpse into the past with the intention of sharing a singular voyage. I'm not one to neatly wrap everything up and clarify the fate of all, whether it be a happy ending or otherwise," he disclosed to Deadline.
"Furthermore, I aimed to produce something that could captivate and satisfy viewers, even if they had never laid eyes on Yellowstone before. Let it stand on its own, based solely on its inherent worth."
"As a storyteller, I find it to be a closed narrative. I am about to peer into a distinct time period and observe whatever unfolds before me."
Sheridan takes on the role of executive producer for Lawmen: Bass Reeves, while Chad Feehan acts as its creator. While the show was initially announced, it has been officially clarified that it exists as a standalone entity, separate from the world of Yellowstone.
Is there an 1883 Season 2 release date?
Yes. Lawmen: Bass Reeves will premiere on November 5, 2023.
The series is set to have 8 episodes, with concerns that it may be delayed due to the writers' and actors' strikes. However, it has completed production without any disruptions caused by the strikes.
1883 Season 2 trailer: Is there a trailer?
You can check out the first teaser trailer for Lawmen: Bass Reeves below:
The deputy marshal is showcased in a compact glimpse of the new series, mounted on his horse and employing his firearm. "I have the authority on this land. As deputy US Marshal Bass Reeves, your sinful era has come to an end," he declares.
A longer teaser trailer was released in early September, which you can watch below:
1883 Season 2 cast: Who’s in it?
David Oyelowo will be taking on the role of Bass Reeves, the lead lawman in Lawmen. The fate of Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, and the rest of the cast from 1883 remains uncertain.
Earlier this year, Variety learned that Dennis Quaid had also joined the cast to play Sherrill Lynn, a deputy US marshall.
The cast also includes:
Mo Brings Plenty as Minco Dodge
Dale Dickey as Widow Dolliver
Tosin Morohunfola as Jackrabbit Cole
Margot Bingham as Sarah Jumper
Donald Sutherland as Judge Isaac Parker
Lauren E. Banks as Jennie
Demi Singleton as Sally
Barry Pepper as Esau Pierce
Forrest Goodluck as Billy Crow
Grantham Coleman as Edwin Jones
During an interview with Vanity Fair, Oyelowo expressed, "I lost count of the number of instances during filming where I found myself drifting into a daydream. It would transport me back to my childhood days, when I used to pretend to be a cowboy, or even during my eight-year journey as an actor, relentlessly pursuing the creation of this project."
His existence itself challenges the concept of justice. If we acknowledge that the enslavement of individuals was unfair, is it truly illegal to liberate oneself from such an unjust situation? I believe this is one of the major themes explored in the show. These events unfold during a pivotal period that shapes the identity of America. Through the personal perspective of a single Black man and his family, we witness the emergence of America. For a more comprehensive analysis of the 1923 cast, please refer to the provided link.
1883 Season 2 plot: What’s it about?
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is officially described as the most celebrated hero in American history who served as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory during the post-Reconstruction era. Revered as the inspiration behind The Lone Ranger, he fearlessly apprehended over 3,000 notorious criminals and remarkably remained unhurt throughout his commendable career.
As per Collider, Oyelowo explained: “So Bass Reeves is a character who the Lone Ranger was actually based on. But unfortunately, he was whitewashed out of history.
He was born into slavery, later fought in the Civil War, and managed to escape to Indian Territory. He immersed himself in Native American languages and skills, which greatly influenced his career as a lawman. His law enforcement career was incredibly successful, with a staggering 3000 arrests. His feats have become legendary. We are currently developing a six-part miniseries to showcase his life, essentially creating a six-hour movie.
In the past, films like Ben-Hur or Lawrence of Arabia were considered epic storytelling. However, nowadays, audiences may find it overwhelming to sit through a three-hour or four-hour film.
However, if you allow them to binge-watch something that lasts for six to 10 hours, they become completely engrossed. So, I believe it's just a matter of changing how we view it. Perhaps people just need to make a mental shift in order to fully immerse themselves in the longer storytelling experience.
As for 1923, the official summary reveals that it will "introduce a new generation of the Dutton family and delve into the early twentieth century, a time when the mountain west and the Duttons who reside there were plagued by pandemics, historic drought, the end of Prohibition, and the Great Depression."
Lawmen: Bass Reeves streams on Paramount Plus from November 5. Check out our other coverage below: