Fans of the hit Western drama Yellowstone were overjoyed when it was announced that a prequel, titled 1883, was in the works for Paramount+. The casting news for the limited series only added to the excitement, with big names like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott attached to the project.

Hill took to Instagram to share her excitement about playing the original matriarch of the Dutton family, Margaret Dutton, in the prequel. 1883 offers fans a glimpse into the origins of the Dutton family, and is part of creator Taylor Sheridan's multi-year deal with Paramount Network.

Real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill had the opportunity to work together on the series, with McGraw expressing his admiration for Hill's work. The highly anticipated series premiered on Paramount+ in December 2021 to rave reviews. In addition to the main stars, the show also featured guest appearances from Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Graham Greene.

After the success of 1883, viewers are wondering if they'll see some familiar faces in Sheridan's new project, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, based on the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Before diving into the new series, let's take a look at the stars of 1883 and their experiences filming the show.

Tim McGraw, known for his successful country music career, takes on the role of James Dillard Dutton in 1883. This is McGraw's first significant acting role, although he had previously portrayed James in flashback scenes in season 4 of Yellowstone. Faith Hill, also a talented country music star, joined the series alongside her husband Tim McGraw, playing the role of Margaret Dutton, James' wife.

Hill embraced the opportunity to film 1883, finding the authenticity of the show exciting. Isabel May takes on the role of Elsa Dutton, the daughter of James and Margaret Dutton. May, known for her roles in Young Sheldon and Alexa & Katie, initially auditioned for a different role in 1883 but found herself in luck when creator Taylor Sheridan wrote a role specifically for her.

Sam Elliott, a Hollywood veteran with a long career in Westerns, portrays Shea Brennan in 1883.

Elliott brings his wealth of experience in the genre to the role of the Civil War veteran turned cowboy. Eric Nelsen stars as Ennis, a cowboy who assists the Dutton family on their journey. Ennis also becomes Elsa's love interest before meeting a tragic end. Martin Sensmeier charms audiences as Sam, a Comanche warrior who aids the Dutton family on their westward trip.

Sensmeier previously worked with Taylor Sheridan in Wind River and has appeared in other popular shows like Westworld and La Brea.

Dawn Olivieri joins the cast as Claire Dutton, the widowed sister of James Dutton. Although she doesn't make it to their final destination, Olivieri embraced the opportunity to portray Claire in the period piece. Billy Bob Thornton makes a guest appearance as real-life sheriff Jim Courtright in one episode of 1883.

Thornton, known for his extensive acting career, found the limited series fitting with his busy schedule. LaMonica Garrett portrays Thomas, a former slave turned U.S. Army sergeant, in 1883. Despite his harrowing experiences, Thomas still sees the best in people. Marc Rissmann plays Josef, a German immigrant in the series.

Rissmann's previous credits include Game of Thrones and The Man in the High Castle.

Gratiela Brancusi takes on the role of Noemi, a Romani widow with two young children. 1883 marks Brancusi's first project in the U.S., and she also appeared in Taylor Sheridan's Mayor of Kingstown. As viewers eagerly await the next installment of 1883 and explore Sheridan's other projects, it's clear that the stars of the series have left a lasting impression with their captivating performances.