# New Yellowstone Spin-Off “Rio Palo” Begins Filming in Texas

The Yellowstone universe continues to expand with the announcement of “Rio Palo,” a new spin-off series that has quietly begun production in Texas. Creator Taylor Sheridan, already juggling multiple projects including “1923,” “The Madison,” and “6666,” has been secretly developing this latest addition to the franchise.

**Setting and Title Significance**

“Rio Palo” translates to “stick river” in Spanish, suggesting symbolic significance similar to how Sheridan has used rivers as metaphors in previous series, particularly in “1883.” The show appears to center around a prison storyline set in the American Wild West, marking a departure from the typical ranching narratives of the franchise.

**Filming Locations and Production**

Production has commenced in Ferris, Texas, approximately 20 miles south of Dallas. According to Ferris city manager Brooks Williams, filming is taking place at a ranch featuring a mansion that will likely serve as a key residence in the series. The production is utilizing downtown Ferris and surrounding areas known for their unique landscapes and elevation changes.

The filming schedule extends to several Texas locations including Cleburn, Weatherford, Rio Vista, and reportedly Mineral Wells. Production is expected to continue for approximately four months, with various scenes already in progress.

**Cast and Characters**

While official casting remains largely under wraps, several intriguing details have emerged through casting calls. Colombian actor Juan Pablo Raba has been confirmed as a cast member, with production seeking photo doubles for him. There’s persistent speculation about Matthew McConaughey joining the project, which would be fitting given the Texas setting and his long-rumored involvement in the Yellowstone universe.

Casting calls reveal characters including prisoners with family connections, and a character named Dalton with teenage friends. One particularly interesting detail involves children appearing as family members of prisoners, suggesting family visitation scenes.

**Story Elements**

The series appears to blend traditional Western elements with prison drama. Scheduled scenes include rodeo sequences, bar scenes, and what appears to be a medical emergency requiring an ambulance driver. There are rumors that Isabel May might reprise her role as Elsa from “1883” in flashback sequences, potentially exploring her character’s relationship with the Native American soldier in greater depth.

**Release Timeline**

Given Sheridan’s typical post-production schedule, “Rio Palo” is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in mid to late 2026. This timeline allows for the extensive editing and production work characteristic of Yellowstone franchise shows.

**Franchise Expansion**

“Rio Palo” represents another strategic expansion of the Yellowstone universe, exploring different time periods and geographical locations while maintaining the franchise’s signature storytelling style. The prison setting offers fresh narrative possibilities while staying true to the Western genre’s themes of justice, redemption, and survival.

As production continues throughout Texas, fans eagerly await more details about this mysterious new chapter in the Yellowstone saga, which promises to bring the franchise’s trademark drama to an entirely new setting and storyline.