Tim McGraw says he personally requested that Tom Hanks make an '1883' cameo

By Carena Liptak

If you’re looking forward to seeing Tom Hanks' cameo in the forthcoming Yellowstone prequel, "1883," you can thank Tim McGraw.

McGraw, who stars in the series alongside his wife and fellow country star, Faith Hill, says he personally asked Hanks to make an appearance in the show.

"Tom and [his wife] Rita [Wilson] and Faith and I have been friends for a long time," McGraw told Entertainment Tonight, explaining how he convinced the film star to join the "1883" cast. "So I gave Tom a call and just asked. He goes, 'Tell me when to be there.' And he showed up and did it and he killed it."

"Of course, he's Tom Hanks, so he's gonna," he added.

Minor spoiler alert: Hanks plays a Union general who shows compassion to McGraw's character -- who was a Confederate officer in the Civil War -- during a flashback scene, according to Deadline.

The pair's megawatt friendship isn't quite as surprising as it sounds.

McGraw and Hanks' gigs have overlapped on occasion, such as during the January 2021 Celebrating America primetime television special. McGraw performed on that event, and Hanks hosted it.

Also, in addition to being an actor, Rita Wilson is a singer-songwriter whose musical inclinations fall inside the country genre. Hill even contributed vocals to her 2012 solo debut, "AM/FM."

"1883" premieres on Paramount+ on Dec. 19.