Gil Birmingham Talks About the Future of Broken Rock Reservation in Yellowstone

Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed series, Yellowstone, may have concluded its narrative surrounding the Dutton Ranch, but actor Gil Birmingham believes there is still untapped potential for storytelling focused on the Broken Rock Reservation. The series finale ingeniously fulfilled a prophecy introduced in its prequel, 1883. According to this prophecy, the Dutton family would oversee the land for seven generations before it was returned to the Native communities, culminating dramatically with the dismantling of the ranch and its return to the reservation.

This poignant conclusion resonated with fans of the show, which has continued to expand its universe with numerous spinoff announcements. While speculation about a spinoff related to the Broken Rock Reservation has grown, no official confirmation has been made regarding the future exploration of this important Native community. However, in a recent interview with Birmingham, intriguing possibilities emerge.

Exploring the Future of the Broken Rock Reservation

In the interview conducted by The Hollywood Reporter, Birmingham shared insights about the potential of following Chief Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation in a new narrative arc. He mentioned, “It was always stated that he wanted to return the land to its original form when man first found it, which is part of why there was the disassembling of the ranch, or at least the house at the end of the finale.” He emphasizes the importance of honoring the laws of nature as an integral component of stewardship.

Mo in Yellowstone — Image Source: Paramount

Addressing the portrayal of Rainwater’s casino ventures, Birmingham acknowledged the misconceptions surrounding Native culture and tribal casinos. He noted, “There’s so little education about the Native culture that’s really not something we dreamed about doing.” He recalled how Rainwater revealed this irony during a conversation with John Dutton, highlighting how these enterprises were essential for acquiring the land.

When discussing the prospects of continuing the Broken Rock Reservation storyline, Birmingham expressed optimism, stating, “Yes, I see a great opening.” While uncertain about Taylor Sheridan’s vision, he indicated that the framework for such an expansion is inherently present in the series. Birmingham pointed out society’s growing connection to nature and the increasing interest in natural landscapes, mentioning, “I think people are becoming more aware of that as they attend national parks or want to get away from the city.” He emphasized that these themes of land stewardship and connection to nature could serve as strong narrative pillars if the show were to progress.

He concluded with a reflection on the ongoing challenges surrounding land preservation, confirming that such a narrative would retain the quintessential drama that captivated viewers. “There would still be an ongoing onslaught of private interests, similar to what John Dutton faced,” Birmingham remarked. “The corporate world will pursue opportunities and seek loopholes to gain power and profit. That appears to be part of the human condition. So, trust me, it wouldn’t be drama-free!”

As the series finale garnered impressive viewership figures for the Paramount Network, the potential storyline centered around the Broken Rock Reservation raises exciting possibilities for future exploration, alongside key considerations to maintain authenticity and respect for Native narratives.

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