If you’re a Yellowstone fan, you know that the latest season has been nothing short of jaw-dropping, especially with the unexpected death of John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner). However, what fans didn’t see coming was a familiar face from Disney’s Hocus Pocus making an appearance in the show. Yes, you read that right! A now-grown-up star from one of Disney’s most beloved Halloween movies has played a pivotal role in the investigation of John Dutton’s shocking death.
In the latest Yellowstone episode titled Three Fifty-Three, the show takes a deep dive into John Dutton’s mysterious death, which has left fans reeling and speculating. Fans were left with more than just a cliffhanger—they were shocked to recognize a face from their childhood, the Disney movie Hocus Pocus, in the role of Dr. Everly, the coroner. This twist has led to some interesting fan theories, with many wondering whether this character might be more involved in John’s death than initially thought.
Let’s take a deeper look at the shocking casting and what it means for the ongoing mystery surrounding John Dutton’s death.
The Surprise Casting: Vinessa Shaw’s Role as Dr. Everly
Fans who grew up watching Hocus Pocus immediately recognized the actress behind the character of Dr. Everly as none other than Vinessa Shaw, who played Allison Watts in the 1993 Disney Halloween classic. Yes, the same Allison who helped Max (played by Omri Katz) battle the three witches—played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy—in the spooky town of Salem.
Fast forward more than two decades, and Shaw is now 48 years old, playing a very different role in the world of Yellowstone. In the latest episode, Dr. Everly is a key player in the investigation into John Dutton’s death, where she initially resists Kayce and Beth Dutton’s suspicion that he was murdered. Dr. Everly, the coroner overseeing the case, seems somewhat hesitant to entertain the idea of foul play, which immediately raises questions for the viewers. But when Kayce demonstrates an effective chokehold technique to prove how John’s assailants might have knocked him unconscious, Dr. Everly begins to reconsider her stance.
While her initial reluctance to cooperate was understandable (after all, the investigation was bound to be controversial), fans began to speculate that Dr. Everly might be hiding something. Could she be involved in John’s death, or is she possibly being bribed to cover up the murder? It’s certainly an intriguing twist, and one that has left many fans on edge.
Fans React to the Shocking Disney Connection
When the news about Vinessa Shaw’s casting broke, fans took to social media to express their surprise and nostalgia. It seems like millennials were especially excited to spot the familiar face from Hocus Pocus, with many sharing their shock on Reddit, Twitter, and other forums.
One fan took to the Yellowstone subreddit, saying: “Well I’ll be damned, I didn’t notice!” Another quipped, “Tell me you’re a millennial without telling me you’re a millennial, lol. Nice spot.” Several fans who had immediately recognized Shaw expressed their excitement at seeing her in such a different role: “I knew I recognized her, but couldn’t immediately place her,” one user wrote. “Thank you for this!! I KNEW I recognized that face but couldn’t put my finger on where from. Only the greatest childhood movie of all time.”
Some fans even joked about how often they watched Hocus Pocus in October, leading to a more instant recognition of Shaw: “I knew it as soon as I saw her! But to be fair…we watch Hocus Pocus A LOT in October,” one fan shared.
For many fans, this casting has added a whole new layer of intrigue to the Yellowstone mystery. While her character of Dr. Everly initially seemed to be an innocent medical professional, her resistance to the investigation raises eyebrows. Could Shaw’s character be playing a larger, more sinister role in the ongoing saga of John Dutton’s death?
Could Dr. Everly Be Involved in John Dutton’s Death?
Fans have begun speculating about the true nature of Dr. Everly’s involvement in John Dutton’s death. Her hesitation to cooperate with Kayce and Beth could simply be part of her character’s reluctance to entertain the idea that someone of John Dutton’s stature could have been murdered. But some fans believe that her behavior might indicate something deeper.
Suspicious Resistance to the Murder Theory
Dr. Everly’s initial refusal to accept the idea of murder raises a few red flags. After all, Kayce’s demonstration of the chokehold technique was enough to convince her of the possibility that John’s death wasn’t accidental. But could there be more to her than meets the eye?
Some fans theorize that Dr. Everly might be involved in covering up John’s death or could even be an accomplice in the murder. Her hesitance to cooperate with Kayce’s investigation could suggest she’s hiding something, and this has made many viewers suspicious of her intentions.
A Possible Bribe or Threat?
Another theory floating around is that Dr. Everly could have been threatened or bribed to cover up the murder. Perhaps someone with a vested interest in silencing John Dutton’s influence is using Dr. Everly as a pawn in their plan. This idea adds a whole new layer of conspiracy to the storyline, and it’s a theory that seems to gain traction with each episode.
While these are just theories for now, one thing’s for sure: Dr. Everly’s character is one to watch closely as the investigation into John Dutton’s death progresses.
The Power of Nostalgia in Yellowstone’s Casting Choices
Casting decisions like Vinessa Shaw’s bring a certain nostalgic charm to Yellowstone, which has always known how to tap into viewers’ emotions through its characters and storytelling. The show’s success is rooted in its ability to blend gritty, contemporary drama with timeless themes like loyalty, power, and family. When a familiar face from a beloved childhood movie like Hocus Pocus shows up, it creates an emotional connection with fans, reminding them of the deep, often unspoken bond between them and the show.
This nostalgic casting strategy not only draws in fans but also keeps them engaged, making them think about the characters they know and love in new ways. It’s this kind of storytelling and attention to detail that has made Yellowstone a phenomenon.
Conclusion: The Mystery Deepens with Dr. Everly’s Involvement
As Yellowstone fans continue to debate the mysterious circumstances surrounding John Dutton’s death, the introduction of Vinessa Shaw’s character, Dr. Everly, adds a layer of intrigue to an already complex plot. While her role in the investigation is still unfolding, it’s clear that her presence has sparked plenty of fan theories and speculation.
Is Dr. Everly just a bystander caught up in a conspiracy? Or does she have a bigger role to play in the downfall of the Dutton family? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure: Yellowstone continues to keep its fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next twist in this deadly mystery.
