Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone universe continues to expand with the upcoming limited series Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Previously known as 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, the title has now been changed to Lawmen: Bass Reeves, indicating that the series will explore other legendary lawmen in future seasons. Lawmen: Bass Reeves, created by Chad Feehan and executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, follows the real-life story of Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Set in the late 1800s, the series delves into Reeves' incredible career as a peace officer, recording over 3,000 arrests and 14 kills in self-defense.
Born into slavery, Reeves became a free man after the abolition of slavery and his recruitment by a U.S.Marshal was due to his knowledge of Indian territory and languages. Leading the cast is David Oyelowo, known for his portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, as Bass Reeves. Oyelowo's portrayal promises to capture the essence of the legendary lawman. Joining Oyelowo is Dennis Quaid as Deputy U.S. Marshal Sherrill Lynn, who stated that Reeves was not only regarded as the greatest frontier hero in American history but also believed to be the inspiration for the iconic character, the Lone Ranger.
Barry Pepper takes on the role of Esau Pierce, the leader of the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles and a battle-tested warrior. Donald Sutherland also joins the cast in a recurring role as Judge Isaac Parker, an imposing and commanding figure in the Fort Smith Courthouse. With Lawmen: Bass Reeves as part of the Yellowstone universe, fans can expect a captivating exploration of the historical events and characters that shaped the law enforcement landscape in the American West. This limited series, with its stellar cast and Taylor Sheridan's expertise in storytelling, is sure to continue the success of its predecessors while expanding the universe even further.