Before Kelly Reilly became the fierce, no-nonsense Beth Dutton in Yellowstone, she had already proven her ability to command the screen with raw intensity. While Yellowstone catapulted her into mainstream fame, few remember that she once reigned over a wild and brutal version of ancient Britain in Britannia, a gripping historical drama.
In this article, we’ll explore Kelly Reilly’s powerful role in Britannia, how it compares to her Yellowstone character, and why this forgotten gem deserves more attention.
Who Is Kelly Reilly? A Quick Look at Her Rise to Stardom
Kelly Reilly has been a force in Hollywood for decades. Known for her sharp wit, fiery performances, and ability to bring depth to every character, she’s played everything from period drama heroines to modern-day power players. But before she took over the Dutton ranch, she was a queen in an untamed land.
What Was Britannia? A Forgotten Masterpiece
Britannia was a historical drama series set in 43 AD, during the Roman invasion of Britain. Unlike your typical historical show, Britannia mixed real history with mysticism, dark humor, and brutal storytelling. It was Game of Thrones meets Vikings, but with a unique psychedelic twist.
Kelly Reilly as Kerra: A Fierce Warrior Queen
In Britannia, Reilly played Queen Kerra, the headstrong leader of the Cantii tribe. She was caught in a deadly struggle between rival factions, the invading Romans, and the Druids—mystical figures with eerie powers. Kerra was bold, defiant, and willing to do whatever it took to protect her people.
How Kerra Compares to Beth Dutton in Yellowstone
At first glance, Kelly Reilly’s characters in Britannia and Yellowstone couldn’t be more different—one is an ancient queen, the other a modern businesswoman. But dig deeper, and you’ll see striking similarities.
1. Both Are Uncompromising Leaders
Kerra ruled her people with determination, while Beth controls the Dutton family’s business empire with the same fierce energy. Neither backs down from a fight.
2. They Both Face Ruthless Enemies
In Britannia, Kerra battles Roman invaders and rival tribes. In Yellowstone, Beth takes on land developers, enemies of her family, and even her own demons.
3. Fierce, Sharp-Tongued, and Unafraid
Both characters deliver cutting dialogue, never hesitate to stand their ground, and have an unbreakable will.
Why Didn’t Britannia Get the Recognition It Deserved?
Despite its gripping storyline and Kelly Reilly’s incredible performance, Britannia didn’t gain the same level of global fame as Yellowstone. Here’s why:
- A Niche Audience: The show had a unique mix of history, fantasy, and dark humor, which didn’t appeal to mainstream viewers.
- Limited Marketing: Unlike Yellowstone, which had a massive push behind it, Britannia didn’t have the same level of promotion.
- Streaming Issues: The show aired on platforms like Amazon Prime and Sky Atlantic, making it harder to access compared to major network TV shows.
The Brutal World of Ancient Britain in Britannia
Unlike the polished castles and royal courts seen in typical historical dramas, Britannia portrayed Britain as a wild, untamed land filled with brutal warriors, mystical Druids, and cutthroat power struggles.
The Roman Threat
The Romans, led by General Aulus Plautius, were determined to conquer the land. They believed they were bringing “civilization,” but to the native tribes, they were invaders.
The Mystical Druids
One of the most unique aspects of Britannia was its portrayal of the Druids—shadowy figures who claimed to have supernatural powers and controlled much of the region’s political chaos.
Tribal Warfare
With rival tribes constantly at war, betrayal was common, alliances were fragile, and every leader had to fight to survive.
Kelly Reilly’s Performance: A Standout Among Giants
Reilly’s portrayal of Kerra was nothing short of mesmerizing. She brought:
- Emotional Depth: Kerra wasn’t just a warrior—she was a daughter, a leader, and a woman caught between duty and personal survival.
- Unmatched Intensity: Whether in battle or political negotiations, she carried a commanding presence.
- Sharp Dialogue Delivery: Much like Beth Dutton, Kerra had a way with words—witty, biting, and never backing down.
Could Britannia Have Been the Next Game of Thrones?
Many believe that with better promotion and a stronger push, Britannia could have rivaled Game of Thrones. It had all the right elements: political intrigue, larger-than-life characters, brutal battles, and an unpredictable storyline.
Will We Ever See Kelly Reilly in Another Historical Epic?
Given her success in Yellowstone, it’s likely that studios will consider her for more historical dramas. Fans would love to see her take on another powerful historical figure—perhaps even a Viking queen or a legendary warrior.
Conclusion
Before she ruled the ranch in Yellowstone, Kelly Reilly had already proven her ability to lead and conquer on-screen in Britannia. While the show may not have gained mainstream popularity, it remains a hidden gem worth watching. If you’re a fan of Reilly’s fierce performances, Britannia is a must-see.
