Tim McGraw Steps Away from Netflix Bull Riding Show for Surgery: Report
Tim McGraw is reportedly stepping down from his role as the lead in Netflix’s forthcoming bull riding drama.
At 57, McGraw was slated to star in the new series but has withdrawn due to an injury sustained while on tour, as reported by Deadline. The injury necessitated orthopedic surgery on both knees, which took place in August, in addition to a separate back surgery. Consequently, McGraw decided against taking on the physically demanding role in the scripted rodeo series.
The country artist was initially introduced as both the lead and an executive producer during Netflix’s upfront presentation in May 2024. Us Weekly has reached out for a statement, but neither McGraw nor Netflix has publicly addressed the future of the project, which is still untitled.
The show was intended to be set in the high-octane universe of bull riding, focusing on a champion rider “at a life-changing crossroads.” A “fearless young competitor” enters his life, challenging his beliefs and revealing hidden truths, which forces him to confront his past.
McGraw, who is well-known for his music career, has also enjoyed a successful acting career. He has appeared in films such as *Friday Night Lights*, *Tomorrowland*, *The Blind Side*, *Country Strong*, and more.
Recently, McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill, shared the screen in Taylor Sheridan’s *Yellowstone* prequel, *1883*. McGraw, who married Hill in 1996, expressed gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his sobriety journey.
“I don’t think I could stand up straight without leaning on her in everything that I do,” McGraw, 56, told Yahoo Music in August 2023. “It is not a linear path. There are setbacks and moments of progression and, at times, regressions.”
He added: “That’s likely to be a continuous journey for the remainder of my life, something I must diligently work on. I believe my song ‘Hey Whiskey’ serves a purpose in that regard. It was very cathartic for me in many aspects.”
McGraw reminisced about reaching a breaking point with his drinking before seeking help from his wife.
“I recall a day when I got up, headed to the liquor cabinet, and took a shot at 8:00 AM, thinking I needed to wake the kids,” McGraw, who shares daughters Gracie, 27, Maggie, 26, and Audrey, 23, with Hill, shared with Esquire in 2021. “I immediately went to my wife and admitted where I was at. I was terrified. She embraced me and changed my life.”
McGraw indicated that Hill has transformed his perspective on love, saying, “My wife always claims, ‘You’re not afraid of anything.’ I respond, ‘Well, there’s one thing I fear. It’s right in front of me.’ I never knew love could feel this profound. Is it an emotion? A lifestyle? Or merely a fantasy? Love encapsulates all these dimensions.”
He concluded: “Love can be angry. It can mean not speaking for a day. It’s about confronting each other. It involves recognizing when I’m wrong. Love is a multifaceted experience. It’s not straightforward. People often say you shouldn’t argue in front of your kids. But everyone does—it’s a natural part of life.”
