With the Yellowstone saga coming to an end, fans are already gearing up for more Dutton family drama in the upcoming spinoff series centered around fan-favorites Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton. While we’ll be focusing on these two central characters, the Duttons’ world is brimming with fascinating characters who could add layers to the new series. Let’s take a look at the top 10 characters that fans hope will appear in Rip and Beth’s new spinoff.
1. Carter: The Duttons’ Adoptive Son
Carter is a character fans have grown to love, and his role in the upcoming spinoff seems almost essential. Beth first meets Carter in the ER during a tense moment in Yellowstone. The young boy, who has just lost his father, quickly becomes a part of the Dutton family. Over time, he comes to view Rip and Beth as surrogate parents, making him a pivotal part of their journey forward.
With Rip and Beth unable to have children of their own, Carter represents a new beginning for them. He could play a significant role in the spinoff, offering a fresh angle on Rip and Beth’s parenting journey while exploring how they break the cycles of trauma that shaped their lives.
2. Summer Higgins: Beth’s Fierce Rival
Beth Dutton’s rivalry with Summer Higgins was one of the most intense dynamics in Yellowstone. Summer, portrayed by Piper Perabo, was initially a thorn in John Dutton’s side, but her views evolved as the series progressed. Her relationship with John Dutton, which ended after his death, didn’t end Summer’s impact on the Dutton family.
Beth and Summer’s clashes were filled with tension and raw emotion, most memorably in their brutal fistfight outside the Dutton homestead. Fans would love to see this rivalry evolve, especially if Summer still clashes with Beth’s strong personality. Could Summer return to try and cause trouble for Rip and Beth’s new life? It would make for some explosive drama.
3. Kayce Dutton: A Peaceful Life with the Duttons
Kayce Dutton had one of the most emotional story arcs in Yellowstone. By the end of the series, Kayce, along with his wife Monica and son Tate, finally leaves the Dutton ranch to start a new life of peace and tranquility. But just because his storyline seems resolved, it doesn’t mean Kayce couldn’t show up in the Rip and Beth spinoff.
With only a handful of Duttons left, the bond between Kayce and his siblings is bound to deepen, and it’s easy to imagine a few heartfelt moments between him and Beth. Kayce’s peaceful new life could also offer a striking contrast to the chaos and challenges Rip and Beth will face in their spinoff.
4. Abby (Lainey Wilson): Country Music and Romance
Abby, portrayed by country singer Lainey Wilson, made a brief yet impactful appearance in Yellowstone Season 5. She started a romantic relationship with ranch hand Walker, which, despite some ups and downs, seemed to have a promising future by the series finale.
Abby’s musical talent could provide a unique touch to Rip and Beth’s spinoff, which could blend Yellowstone’s gritty western elements with country music. Lainey Wilson’s role could be expanded, and she might even bring more of her original songs into the show. It would also be interesting to see Abby’s relationship with Walker evolve and how she adjusts to life in the Dutton world.
5. Monica Long-Dutton: A Heartfelt Friendship with Beth
Monica Long-Dutton, Kayce’s wife, has always been the heart of the Dutton family, offering stability and kindness when chaos reigned around her. By the series finale, Monica and Kayce start fresh with a ranch of their own. She could play a pivotal role in Rip and Beth’s spinoff, especially as she continues to build her relationship with Beth.
Despite their rocky start, Monica and Beth eventually form a genuine bond. Their evolving friendship could provide some much-needed depth and emotional grounding in the spinoff, with Monica acting as a voice of reason for Beth in times of crisis.
6. Jimmy Hurdstrom: From Ranch Hand to Cowboy
Jimmy Hurdstrom started off as a naive and awkward young man in Yellowstone but slowly grew into a full-fledged cowboy. After spending time at the Dutton ranch and later moving to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, Jimmy found his calling. Although he seems set to star in Yellowstone’s other spinoff, 6666, it’s likely that Jimmy will make a guest appearance in Rip and Beth’s show.
His appearance could be a way to promote 6666, but also offer a fun reunion with Rip and Beth, showing how far Jimmy has come from his humble beginnings. His connection to the Duttons will always remain strong, making his presence in the spinoff a great fan-favorite moment.
7. Thomas Rainwater: A New Chapter for the Dutton Ranch
By the end of Yellowstone, Thomas Rainwater becomes the new owner of the Dutton Ranch. After years of fighting with the Duttons over the land, Thomas and John ultimately reach an agreement that leads to the sale of the ranch. In the spinoff, Rainwater’s character could provide essential updates on the ranch’s future and its relationship with the Duttons.
Rainwater has always been a shrewd strategist and a complicated character. His appearance in the Rip and Beth spinoff could help tie up loose ends and show how the Dutton legacy continues under his leadership. It would also be fascinating to see how his relationship with Beth and Rip evolves now that he owns the land they once fought for.
8. Lloyd Pierce: Rip’s Old Friend and Mentor
Lloyd Pierce, portrayed by Forrie J. Smith, is a seasoned ranch hand who has been with the Duttons for decades. He’s seen it all and has a special connection with Rip. Their bond, forged through years of hard work, loyalty, and shared experiences, is one of the show’s most endearing relationships.
Even though Lloyd chose to leave the Dutton ranch after its sale, there’s no doubt that his relationship with Rip is far from over. Fans would love to see Lloyd return in a guest appearance, maybe as Rip’s mentor or even just to offer some advice. His wisdom and humor would bring a much-needed depth to the spinoff.
9. Caroline Warner: The Ruthless Villain
Caroline Warner, the CEO of Market Equities, has made a lasting impact as one of Yellowstone‘s most ruthless antagonists. Though she was mostly a background character in the final seasons, her vendetta against the Duttons, especially Beth, made her a dangerous enemy.
In the spinoff, Caroline’s desire for revenge could take center stage. With John Dutton gone, she might set her sights on Beth and Rip, eager to settle the score once and for all. Her manipulative and cutthroat nature could make her an exciting villain for the series, driving the drama forward with high stakes.
10. John Dutton: A Posthumous Return for Closure
Finally, John Dutton may have died in the series finale, but his legacy lives on. Although Kevin Costner has been vocal about his exit from the show, fans are still hoping for a posthumous appearance from the legendary patriarch. Perhaps in a dream sequence or flashback, John could return to offer Rip and Beth some much-needed closure after his shocking death.
Beth, in particular, still has unresolved feelings about her father’s death. A special appearance from John could allow Beth to come to terms with his loss and provide a heartfelt moment for the show’s final chapter.
Conclusion: What to Expect from Rip & Beth’s Spinoff
The Rip and Beth spinoff promises to deliver a thrilling continuation of the Dutton family’s story. While we’ll certainly be focused on their journey, it would be a missed opportunity not to feature some of the beloved characters who helped shape Yellowstone. Whether it’s Carter’s adoption storyline, Summer and Beth’s ongoing rivalry, or John Dutton’s lingering influence, these characters could play a pivotal role in the new spinoff, bringing depth, excitement, and drama to the already compelling narrative.
FAQ: Will Jimmy Hurdstrom be in Rip and Beth’s spinoff?
While Jimmy will likely be a key figure in the 6666 spinoff, there’s still a chance he could make a cameo or guest appearance in Rip and Beth’s series. His journey at the Four Sixes Ranch is an exciting new chapter, but he remains closely tied to the Duttons, and fans could see him reconnect with Rip and Beth at some point.
