The prequel to Yellowstone, 1883, is getting a major addition to its already loaded cast. Two-time Oscar-winner Tom Hanks will be introduced in the second episode of the new show playing General George Mead in a guest-starring role.

The episode will feature General Mead looking down at James Dutton (Tim McGraw) after the brutal Battle of Antietam in the Civil War. The Civil War battle claimed over 22,700 soldiers on both sides, which marks the bloodiest day in American history, one in which James Dutton nearly died. According to Taylor Sheridan who created 1883, he said that, in addition to Tom Hanks, there will be several “surprise” guest stars that will debut over the first season of the Paramount+ series. For example, The Battle of Antietam scene follows one with Billy Bob Thornton, who portrays a sheriff in Fort Worth. He goes after a band of horse thieves who commits crimes against settlers heading west toward Montana.

In mid-August, fans of Yellowstone received a huge announcement that the prequel would be debuting December 19th on Paramount+. Shortly after a teaser trailer showing the cast arrived and that made the fans even more excited for the new show. Sheridan, a former actor turned series creator, is currently riding high on the success of Yellowstone, which has quickly become a flagship series on the fledgling streaming service. With the latest high-profile stars and guest stars making their way to the new spin-off, it is no surprise that he has another series coming out. In addition to 1883, Sheridan is also working on Kansas City, a new series that will star Sylvestor Stallone as the lead.

1883 will be a lot different than what we know of the Dutton family in Yellowstone. This will tell the story of how the Dutton family wound up owning the largest ranch in America in Montana. It will look at their bloody history and the moves that turned out to bring the once poverty-stricken family into in their land. Along with McGraw and Thornton, 1883 will also star Sam Elliott, Faith Hill, Isabel May, and Lamonica Garrett. If you have not watched the official trailer yet, you can take a look below and see what the series is going to look like.

The addition of Tom Hanks has many fans even more excited to watch this show as it only expands the Yellowstone universe. You watch the debut on Paramount+ on Sunday, December 19th, 2021. This news comes to us from Deadline.