Yellowstone: You’re not dreaming, this is Tom Hanks you saw in 1883!

The success of Yellowstone now allows the Western franchise to attract the biggest names in cinema. The main series revived Kevin Costner’s career, but before that, Robert Redford could have played the role of John Dutton.

In turn, the spin-off 1923 managed to convince Harrison Ford to play Jacob Dutton, and his wife Kara Dutton is played by the no less legendary Helen Mirren. Conversely, the lead role in 1883 – another prequel to Yellowstone – was given to Tim McGraw, who is known to the public mainly for his career as a country singer.

But the legendary actor still appeared in the cast of 1883 in the first scene of the second episode, a flashback that allows us to discover the past of the main character, James Dutton’s assigned soldier.

In 1883, a legendary actor appeared

At the end of the bloody battle of Antietam, in which he was the only survivor, the latter was comforted by General George Meade, who was at the head of the enemy troops. Hidden behind a full beard and a Union soldier’s hat, the character’s interpreter may not be recognized by fans of the series.

And yet, he is a very famous actor, because it is Tom Hanks who gives his qualities to the general, who is still celebrated as one of the heroes of the Civil War. An event in more ways than one, as the American actor only appeared in a handful of series throughout his career, and mostly in its early days.

The latter apparently got the role in the series because of his friendship with Tim McGraw. The actor and the country singer have been friends for nearly thirty years, and it only took a phone call for the latter to agree to appear in 1883. “We don’t want to miss a scene when Tom Hanks is in front of us” Tim McGraw then commented to our colleaguesEntertainment Weekly.

1883 is clearly a family affair. Although Tim McGraw’s wife – actress and country singer Faith Hill – also plays his other half on the screen, fans were also able to note the appearance of Rita Wilson – Tom Hanks’ wife – in the fifth episode of the series.

Ten episodes of 1883 are now available exclusively on Paramount+, also available with a Canal+ subscription.

Discover the list of series currently available on the platform!