The Official Yellowstone Podcast: Episode Summary Episode Title: What If?! – Bobby Bones Wild Yellowstone Recast
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Host: Bobby Bones
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Paramount Podcasts

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Official Yellowstone Podcast, host Bobby Bones delves into a fascinating “what if” scenario: what if Yellowstone had to be recast as if the show had never existed? Bones explores alternative casting choices for some of the show's most iconic characters, considering both traditional and out-of-the-box options. This comprehensive discussion offers fans fresh perspectives on the beloved series, blending Bobby’s personal insights with industry knowledge.

Recasting John Dutton

Bobby begins by tackling the role of John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family. He presents a top tier of actors he believes could embody the character with equal or greater prowess than Kevin Costner.

1. Josh Brolin
   Bones considers Josh Brolin, renowned for his roles in No Country for Old Men and Outer Range, as a gritty and rugged fit for John Dutton.

   “[00:05:00] Bobby Bones: Josh Brolin… gritty, rugged. He can do stoic but also vulnerable, much like Kevin Costner.”

2. Jeff Bridges
   Jeff Bridges is praised for his deep voice and believable portrayal of a lifetime of burdens, adding a philosophical depth to John Dutton.

   “[00:07:00] Bobby Bones: Jeff Bridges has that deep voice and can carry a lifetime of burdens… more philosophical.”

3. Kurt Russell
   With his western legacy and charismatic presence, Kurt Russell is seen as a wild yet controlled version of John Dutton, infusing the character with a gunslinger’s energy.

   “[00:09:00] Bobby Bones: Kurt Russell brings western legacy and charisma… more wild, like a gunslinger.”

Additional Contenders:
Bones also mentions Bryan Cranston, Denzel Washington, Matthew McConaughey, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, among others, highlighting their versatility and suitability for the role.

Recasting Beth Dutton

Moving on to Beth Dutton, Bobby explores actresses who can capture her fierce, manipulative, and emotionally layered nature.

1. Charlize Theron
   Known for her elegance and ferocity, Theron is seen as a strong contender to portray Beth’s chaotic and powerful personality.

   “[00:11:00] Bobby Bones: Charlize Theron is elegant yet ferocious… can go full chaos.”

2. Margot Robbie
   Robbie’s energy and ability to portray manipulation make her a youthful and dynamic choice for Beth Dutton.

   “[00:13:00] Bobby Bones: Margot Robbie has a lot of energy… could play a more youthful Beth.”

3. Emily Blunt
   Blunt is praised for her intense and emotionally layered performances, potentially offering a strategized and controlled version of Beth.

   “[00:15:00] Bobby Bones: Emily Blunt is intense and emotionally layered… a more strategized Beth.”

4. Unconventional Choice: Lady Gaga
   Breaking traditional casting norms, Bobby suggests Lady Gaga for her fierce presence and unique acting prowess.

   “[00:17:00] Bobby Bones: Lady Gaga could bring fierceness… unconventional but awesome.”

Additional Contenders:
Other actresses like Aubrey Plaza, Florence Pugh, Zoe Kravitz, and Sarah Snook are discussed, each bringing distinct traits to the role.

Recasting Rip Wheeler

Rip Wheeler, the loyal ranch foreman, is next on Bobby’s list. He considers actors who can embody Rip’s intense, muscular, and brooding nature.

1. John Bernthal
   Known for his role in The Punisher, Bernthal's intensity and brooding presence make him a top choice.

   “[00:19:00] Bobby Bones: John Bernthal is intense and brooding… perfect for Rip Wheeler.”

2. Jason Momoa
   Momoa’s physical prowess and ability to portray both love and violence align well with Rip’s character.

   “[00:21:00] Bobby Bones: Jason Momoa is physically imposing and can show both love and violence.”

3. Unconventional Choice: Shia LaBeouf
   LaBeouf’s chaotic energy and acting range offer a unique take on Rip Wheeler, blending unhinged moments with tenderness.

   “[00:23:00] Bobby Bones: Shia LaBeouf brings chaotic energy… could blend unhinged with tender.”

Additional Contenders:
Scott Eastwood, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Armie Hammer are also mentioned for their ability to portray Rip’s multifaceted character.

Recasting Casey Dutton

Casey, John Dutton’s son, requires an actor who can balance charm with gruffness. Bobby highlights several potential candidates.

1. Glenn Powell
   Powell’s charm and versatility make him a fitting choice for Casey Dutton.

   “[00:25:00] Bobby Bones: Glenn Powell is charming and versatile… excellent for Casey.”

2. Austin Butler
   Butler’s intense and magnetic presence could bring depth and range to Casey’s character.

   “[00:27:00] Bobby Bones: Austin Butler is intense and magnetic… great range for Casey.”

3. Unconventional Choice: Joe Keery
   Known for his role in Stranger Things, Keery could offer a younger, introspective take on Casey.

   “[00:29:00] Bobby Bones: Joe Keery could bring a youthful, introspective angle to Casey.”

Additional Contenders:
Liam Hemsworth, Lakeith Stanfield, Jeremy Allen White, and Nicholas Holt are discussed, each bringing unique attributes to the role.

Recasting Jamie Dutton

Jamie, the youngest Dutton sibling, requires an actor who can portray intelligence, complexity, and emotional depth.

1. James Marsden
   Marsden’s proven talent in both comedy and drama makes him a viable candidate for Jamie’s multifaceted personality.

   “[00:31:00] Bobby Bones: James Marsden has the talent for Jamie’s complex personality.”

2. Matt Bomer
   Bomer’s good looks and acting prowess offer a likable yet twisted interpretation of Jamie.

   “[00:33:00] Bobby Bones: Matt Bomer is good-looking and can portray Jamie’s twisted intelligence.”

3. Unconventional Choice: Rami Malek
   Malek’s unique and emotionally fractured performances could provide a deeply internalized version of Jamie.

   “[00:35:00] Bobby Bones: Rami Malek could portray an emotionally fractured Jamie… very internal.”

Additional Contenders:
Alexander Skarsgard, Armie Hammer, and Jesse Eisenberg are also considered for their ability to embody Jamie’s intricate character traits.

Conclusion and Insights

Bobby Bones concludes the episode by reflecting on the challenges and creative processes involved in recasting beloved characters. He emphasizes the importance of both traditional and unconventional casting choices to bring new dimensions to Yellowstone. Bones appreciates the complexity of the characters and the nuanced performances required to do them justice, leaving listeners with intriguing possibilities for an alternate Yellowstone universe.

“[00:37:00] Bobby Bones: Casting Yellowstone again or in a different timeline… trying to capture what makes each character iconic.”

Throughout the episode, Bobby Bones engages fans with thoughtful analysis, blending his passion for the series with insightful commentary on actor suitability and character depth. This imaginative exploration not only entertains but also deepens the appreciation for the intricate dynamics of Yellowstone.

Notable Quotes

• John Dutton Recast with Josh Brolin:

  “[00:05:00] Bobby Bones: Josh Brolin… gritty, rugged. He can do stoic but also vulnerable, much like Kevin Costner.”

• Jeff Bridges on John Dutton:

  “[00:07:00] Bobby Bones: Jeff Bridges has that deep voice and can carry a lifetime of burdens… more philosophical.”

• Charlize Theron as Beth Dutton:

  “[00:11:00] Bobby Bones: Charlize Theron is elegant yet ferocious… can go full chaos.”

• Unconventional Casting with Lady Gaga:

  “[00:17:00] Bobby Bones: Lady Gaga could bring fierceness… unconventional but awesome.”

• John Bernthal as Rip Wheeler:

  “[00:19:00] Bobby Bones: John Bernthal is intense and brooding… perfect for Rip Wheeler.”

• Jason Momoa’s Versatility:

  “[00:21:00] Bobby Bones: Jason Momoa is physically imposing and can show both love and violence.”

• Glenn Powell for Casey Dutton:

  “[00:25:00] Bobby Bones: Glenn Powell is charming and versatile… excellent for Casey.”

• James Marsden as Jamie Dutton:

  “[00:31:00] Bobby Bones: James Marsden has the talent for Jamie’s complex personality.”

• Rami Malek’s Emotional Depth:

  “[00:35:00] Bobby Bones: Rami Malek could portray an emotionally fractured Jamie… very internal.”

Final Thoughts

Bobby Bones’s imaginative recasting scenarios provide a fresh lens through which fans can appreciate the depth and complexity of Yellowstone's characters. By considering both renowned and unexpected actors, the episode celebrates the enduring appeal of the Dutton family saga and invites listeners to dream about the endless possibilities within the Yellowstone universe.