7 actors we think could replace Kevin Costner as the face of the 'Yellowstone' universe

One of the most obvious choices as Costner's replacement is Matthew McConaughey who Deadline named in their bombshell report about the behind-the-scenes drama on the series. 

According to the outlet, the "True Detective" star is someone "Yellowstone" cocreator and showrunner, Taylor Sheridan, Paramount Global, and Paramount Network are pursuing as a potential lead.

While McConaughey has not responded to the speculation, as we previously noted, he is an actor who seems well-matched to Sheridan's neo-Western sensibilities when you consider his performances in the lines of noir "Lone Star" and the Texas-set black comedy "Killer Joe."

Last year Bob Odenkirk wrapped his six-season run on "Breaking Bad" prequel series "Better Call Saul" and we'd be lying if we said we weren't missing his presence on our screens. 

As a result, we wouldn't mind seeing him step into the cowboy boots that Costner has left behind.

The 60-year-old actor clearly knows a thing or two about making must-see television and would definitely bring his own unique interpretation to the western franchise.

Sheridan might already have the perfect person to replace Costner within his cast in the form of Josh Lucas.

The "Sweet Home Alabama" actor has been portraying a younger version of the Dutton patriarch in flashback scenes since season one and has become such a reliable and well-liked presence on the show that we can imagine a scenario in which Lucas is bumped to lead.

This way, the Dutton saga could continue through another prequel series ("1983" perhaps?) with the added bonus of having characters and cast members already familiar to viewers.

While the world of "Yellowstone" undoubtedly runs on testosterone, audiences will agree that some of the strongest characters are women.

From the flagship series' Beth (Kelly Reilly) to Elsa (Isabel May) in "1883" and Cara (Helen Mirren) in "1923," it's not hard to find fantastic female performances strewn across the franchise.

With that in mind, who says the new lead star has to be a man? While there are many women who could give Costner a run for his money, one who would be particularly well suited to the role is Connie Britton.

Not only does she fit the mold of a Dutton woman with her strawberry-blond locks, but going by her standout performances in "Nashville" and "Friday Night Lights," we know that she would completely give the role her all.

Tom Hanks isn't really a television guy and his sneaky cameo as a Civil War-era general in "Yellowstone" prequel "1883" remains one of the few small-screen roles the Oscar winner has held in the last two decades. 

That and the fact that Sheridan seemingly has the persuasive powers to get the likes of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren to say yes to a project without even seeing a script gives us enough hope to believe that Hanks could be the next face of the franchise.

The "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" actor actually gave his thoughts about joining the "Yellowstone" universe and reconnecting with his "Hell or High Water" collaborator earlier this year.

"I love Montana, I love Kevin Costner, I like horses," he said in a video interview with Esquire when asked about joining the franchise.

All things considered, it seems that if Pine was approached, he would be on board with taking up the reins as the fictional ranch's custodian.

It has to also be said that, due to his roles in the "Star Trek" reboot film series and "Wonder Woman" (among other DC Extended Universe films), Pine also comes with a built-in fanbase that could get younger viewers watching "Yellowstone."

Kurt Russell would have no problems slotting into the "Yellowstone" world and we know that the audience would welcome him with open arms.

The franchise would certainly be in safe hands with the legendary screen star — he got his start at the age of 12 in the cowboy series "The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters" and has been starring in westerns ever since, counting "Bone Tomahawk" and "The Hateful Eight" among his most successful movies.