Yellowstone returns for its fourth season on November 7, with the first 2 episodes airing on the Paramount Network at 8/7c. Last year's finale ended on a grim note, with an all-out war against the Duttons being declared and several of the family targeted for assassination. The premiere episodes, "Half the Money" and "Phantom Pain," will tally the losses and open the door to the big mystery of who has it out for blood.
Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham, Let Him Go) against an unknown evil or leave him to his own devices?
Birmingham spoke to Screen Rant about the new dynamics in store for Thomas and the cast at large, as well as why he feels blessed to play complex roles steeped in respectful Native representation.
Screen Rant: Thomas is probably one of the more formidable opponents of the Duttons, but they also have a lot of mutual respect. What is his reaction to the events of last season's finale, and where is his head at the start of the season?
Gil Birmingham: Well, you'll have to watch and find out.
There's a whole lot of new players and lots of mystery surrounding the events. Are there any new interactions for you that you're excited for fans to see, or new directions for your character?
Gil Birmingham: Without giving too much away - because it's such a huge cliffhanger, and it's got to be seen who's survived it. But things to do go on, and we introduce some more corporate forces. We have Jacki Weaver coming in and playing a fantastic role, and Piper Perabo. We got some great guest stars.
But the storyline continues, and we'll see what happens.
Looking backwards, what has been the most challenging or rewarding part of portraying Thomas Rainwater for you?
Gil Birmingham: So much is determined by the writing, and that had a lot to do with me coming on board. This is my third project with [creator Taylor Sheridan], so I have such faith and trust in him. And I know that he has great comion for the Indigenous people, so it's just been wonderful to really step into a world that he's created with very respectful representation. I just feel very blessed.
You have been very committed to portraying various complex Indigenous roles in stories that give room for nuance and insight into different communities. Where would you like to see that level of representation go next, or what are you hoping for on a larger scale?
Gil Birmingham: For the Native community - the acting community is always struggling, since I've started my career - to get more representation on the media. We're making great strides; there seems to be waves of it. We had Dances With Wolves, which was a milestone. If we can get more content and include Indigenous people, then there'll be a culture that gets represented to a world that knows so very little about it.
And that's what I'm really proud about this last season, because we're going to go into some really special portrayals of culture that will educate people but also entertain them.
You mentioned having worked with Taylor Sheridan previously. What is it that draws you back to him? Do you two have a shorthand or a unified vision?
Gil Birmingham: That's such a great question. I mean, I just love the man, and I think he's just a brilliant writer. So, if he invites me, I don't have a second thought about it. I have that much trust in him.
Finally, is there any one costar who you really enjoy having scenes with this season?
Gil Birmingham: Jacki Weaver. She's wonderful.
I don't how the editing will go, but I did do a scene with Kelly [Reilly]. We've been begging for a scene together since we started, and I don't know how it'll fit into the storyline, but that was a real blast.
Yellowstone season 4 premieres November 7 on the Paramount Network at 8/7c pm, and the first three seasons are streaming exclusively on Peacock.