British actor Kelly Reilly has spoken candidly about the divisive finale of the hit Paramount drama Yellowstone, describing it as "a shame" while confirming her return to the role of Beth Dutton in a new spinoff series. The contemporary western, which followed the Dutton family's struggle to protect their Montana cattle ranch, concluded after five seasons amid reports of significant behind-the-scenes tensions.
Behind the Scenes Turmoil and Fan Discontent
The final season of Yellowstone proved controversial among viewers, with multiple character deaths drawing unfavourable comparisons to HBO's Game of Thrones. The series cancellation followed widespread rumours of conflict between creator Taylor Sheridan and lead actor Kevin Costner, who dramatically departed the show in 2023. Reilly, who played Costner's on-screen daughter Beth Dutton throughout the series, acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding the conclusion.
"It was a shame it ended that way, but it did," Reilly told The Sunday Times. "If we were just having a beer, I could share more. But yes, it was only supposed to go on for five years... It was successful... A life of its own."
The 48-year-old actor revealed she had been largely kept in the dark about production issues, stating: "I'm just picking my words, because I've never really talked about it. A lot went on behind the scenes that had nothing to do with me; I was just waiting. 'When are we going back to work?'"
Returning to Beth Dutton in The Dutton Ranch
Reilly will reprise her celebrated role as Beth Dutton in The Dutton Ranch, a new spinoff series that will continue the story one year after Yellowstone's conclusion. The series will also feature Annette Bening and Ed Harris in prominent roles, focusing on Beth and her partner Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they protect their 7,000-acre ranch while raising their unofficially adopted son Carter.
"This is a different era – I had hit my quota of the younger Beth," Reilly explained, reflecting on how audience perception of her character evolved. "People were very critical of her at the start. Because she is unapologetic, out there, flawed, damaged and brave. Women are always asked to play strong role model types, while men can play the gnarliest characters and get away with it."
Expanding the Yellowstone Universe
The Yellowstone franchise continues to expand despite the original series' conclusion. Creator Taylor Sheridan, who reportedly left Paramount last year for a lucrative deal with NBC Universal, has developed multiple spinoffs including:
- 1883, which explored the Dutton family's origins
- 1923, starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford as Depression-era Duttons
- The Madison, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, scheduled for March release
The Dutton Ranch is expected to premiere later this year, continuing the story that captivated audiences worldwide. The official synopsis describes Beth and Rip as "grateful for the peace they sought, fought and nearly died for" while facing "tough times and stiff competition" in their efforts to survive and guide Carter toward adulthood.
Beyond her work in the Yellowstone universe, Kelly Reilly remains known for diverse roles including the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, horror thriller Eden Lake, and Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes films alongside Robert Downey Jr and Martin Freeman.
