In the months before the Yellowstone season 5, part 2 premiere, there were reports regarding the returns of certain characters (including two Duttons) in an upcoming sequel series, but recent news suggests otherwise. The Paramount Network neo-Western drama, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, premiered in June 2018 and slowly but surely became a widespread hit. With great ratings and reviews, it was easy for Paramount to strike a deal with Sheridan to expand the Yellowstone universe. As of the writing of this article, two spinoffs have aired (1883 and 1923) and more are on their way.
Although Yellowstone is coming to an end after season 5, the franchise lives on with its various spinoffs. 1923 season 2 is in the midst of filming, while TV shows like The Madison are in development. Consequently, it doesn’t seem as though the Yellowstone universe will die anytime soon, especially if its multiple series continue to succeed. However, fans will likely have to say goodbye to many of the original show’s beloved characters, including one member of the Dutton family who was previously rumored to return in the sequel series.
Beth Is Supposed To Return In Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone Sequel Series
It was reported back in early 2024 that Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Luke Grimes were in negotiations with Paramount to reprise their Yellowstone roles (Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and Kayce Dutton, respectively) in the previously established sequel series. Paramount never confirmed this report, but many believed it to be true as the rumors claimed that the two parties were in a pay dispute, which has allegedly ended. However, there has been no news regarding the Yellowstone sequel series or its cast since. Unfortunately, a separate casting report indicates that one actor has stepped back from the upcoming TV show.
Kelly Reilly Books Post-Yellowstone Project Raises Questions About Beth’s Sequel Fate
According to Variety, Kelly Reilly has booked his first confirmed gig after Yellowstone. The English actress is set to lead the cast of a new Sky Original show called Under Salt Marsh, created by Claire Oakley and produced by Oakley, Elwen Rowlands, and Megan Spanjias. It is described as a “gripping crime thriller” and a six-part limited series. Reilly is playing Jackie Ellis, a former detective and current teacher who lives in Morfa Halen (a fictional town in Wales). Under Salt Marsh’s logline reads:
“As a once-in-a-generation storm begins to gather far out at sea, former detective turned teacher Jackie Ellis discovers the body of her 8-year-old pupil, Cefin, seemingly drowned. The discovery sends shockwaves through the community, reviving the ghost of an unsolved cold case that rocked the town three years prior – the disappearance of Jackie’s niece, Nessa, which cost her career. Cefin’s death summons Jackie’s former partner, Detective Eric Bull, back to Morfa Halen to lead the investigation into a community he failed once before. Convinced the cases are linked, Jackie and Bull must reconcile and race to uncover long-buried secrets inside Morfa, before the storm breaks and all the evidence is gone for good.”
While Reilly’s next TV show sounds intriguing and exciting, her casting raises concerns about her involvement with the Yellowstone sequel series. Obviously, if the actress is working overseas on one project, she will not be able to film the other one in the United States at the same time. Plus, Reilly is confirmed to appear in Under Salt Marsh while her association with the upcoming Yellowstone TV show is up in the air. Perhaps Beth Dutton won’t return following the Yellowstone series finale, after all. However, there is still a chance that Reilly can do both shows.
Can Reilly Still Return To Sheridan’s Yellowstone Universe Despite Her New Project?
Variety’s report regarding Kelly Reilly’s casting in Under Salt Marsh states that filming on the limited series is scheduled to start in late 2024. The upcoming show’s production schedule increases the odds that Reilly will be able to reprise her role as Beth Dutton in the Yellowstone sequel series, even though nothing has been confirmed on that front. It seems as though the sequel is still in the pre-production process as news about filming is nowhere to be found. So, the Yellowstone show might not even start filming until 2025.
Ultimately, it all depends on the Yellowstone sequel series’ filming timeline (and if [Kelly] Reilly has even signed a contract confirming her return to the franchise after the finale).
It also helps that Under Salt Marsh is a limited series with only six parts. Once Reilly is done shooting the Sky crime thriller (which shouldn’t take too long), her schedule should theoretically be open. Beth may live to see another day following the season 5, part 2 finale. Ultimately, it all depends on the Yellowstone sequel series’ filming timeline (and if Reilly has even signed a contract confirming her return to the franchise after the finale).
