Taylor Sheridan‘s “Yellowstone” TV empire gets a little larger with “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” and “6666” on the way to Paramount+ later this year. But with another big name added to its cast list, expect “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” to be the more anticipated show. Variety reports that legendary actor Donald Sutherland joins the cast of the upcoming prequel series, joining David Oyelowo, Dennis Quaid, and more. What’s more, the show will now be an anthology series, with Bass Reeves being just the first real-life lawmen the series plans to cover. Others will be the focus of subsequent seasons.
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So who will Sutherland play in “Lawmen: Bass Reeves”? He’ll have the recurring role of Judge Isaac Parker, “an imposing and commanding judge in the Forth Smith Courthouse with a complicated legacy.” Oyelowo headlines as the titular Reeves, a real-life federal peace officer in the Indian Territory who captured over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. Quaid plays Deputy US Marshal Sherrill Lynn on the series.
Other series regulars in the cast include Lauren E. Banks, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, and Demi Singleton.  Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, Rob Morgan, Ryan O’Nan, Grantham Coleman, and Justin Hurtt-Dunkley have recurring roles, with Shea Whigham and Garrett Hedlund appearing as guest stars. All told, that’s quite a caste for a limited prequel series.
Chad Feehan is creator/showrunner for “Lawmen: Bass Reeves.” Feehan also serves as executive producer with David and Jessica Oyelowo under Yoruba Saxon. Sheridan also serves as executive producer through Bosque Ranch Productions.  David C. Glasser, David Permut, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari, and David Hutkin also executive produce. Another executive producer: Christina Voros, who also directs five episodes.  MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Bosque Ranch, and Yoruba Saxon all co-produce the series.
So when will “Lawmen: Bass Reeves” hit Paramount+? Before the streamer’s merger with Showtime? Only time will tell.