After years of gripping drama, complex characters, and jaw-dropping plot twists, Yellowstone fans are bracing themselves for the final chapters of the series. The announcement that Season 5 would be the last left many wondering: is this truly the end, or could we see more of Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton in the future?
Cole Hauser, who plays Rip, and Kelly Reilly, who portrays Beth, recently dropped some intriguing hints that the show may not be closing its doors just yet. While Paramount Network has promised that the remaining episodes of Season 5 will wrap up the story, Hauser and Reilly have made it clear that they’re not ready to say goodbye to their iconic characters just yet. So, what does this all mean for Yellowstone fans? Let’s dive into the details of what’s next for the show and whether Rip and Beth’s wild ride is truly over.
The End of Yellowstone? Not So Fast
When Yellowstone first premiered in 2018, it quickly became one of the most talked-about shows on television. The sweeping landscapes of Montana, the intense family drama, and of course, the fierce characters like Rip and Beth, made it a massive hit. But now, with Season 5’s second half set to air soon, there’s a question on everyone’s minds: Is this the end of the Dutton family saga?
The upcoming episodes of Season 5 were originally slated to be the grand finale. After Kevin Costner’s departure from the series, Paramount Network announced that these episodes would conclude the story. However, it seems that not all of the show’s stars are ready to leave Yellowstone behind.
Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, shared his thoughts at the Yellowstone premiere in New York, hinting that there may still be more to come. He said, “You never know whether it’s coming to an end or not, so we’ll see.” Hauser went on to praise the way creator Taylor Sheridan had structured the end of the series, calling it “wonderful.” But despite the official announcement, Hauser wasn’t ruling out the possibility of more seasons if Sheridan was interested in writing more stories about Rip and Beth.
Kelly Reilly, who plays the fiery and fiercely protective Beth Dutton, echoed this sentiment, saying that both she and Hauser were “interested” in continuing the story if Taylor Sheridan wanted to keep writing for their characters. “You can go on forever about these two,” Reilly said. “There’s no walls when it comes to them, no limits.”
Is This the Last Season of Yellowstone?
Although the second half of Season 5 will mark the end of the series as we’ve known it, it’s important to note that Yellowstone has already begun to branch out into other projects. There’s the prequel series 1923, starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, as well as the upcoming 1883 spin-off, which tells the story of the Dutton family’s journey to Montana. The Yellowstone universe is expanding, so even if the main series ends, fans can still expect more stories from this world.
But will the Yellowstone story end without Rip and Beth? According to Hauser and Reilly, there’s still plenty of potential for their characters to continue evolving. In fact, Rip and Beth’s relationship has been one of the most compelling aspects of the show. Fans have watched them grow from a rocky, fiery couple to a deeply loyal and passionate pair. And if Taylor Sheridan can continue to craft meaningful stories for them, Hauser and Reilly are both on board to keep going.
The Dutton Family Drama – What’s Next After Kevin Costner’s Exit?
One of the most significant challenges Yellowstone faced in its final seasons was the exit of Kevin Costner, who played the patriarch of the Dutton family, John Dutton. While many fans were initially concerned that the show wouldn’t be the same without Costner, the remaining cast has rallied to make sure the story continues to pack a punch.
Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, reflected on the challenges of finishing the show without Costner’s iconic presence, admitting, “It’s hard to imagine the show without him.” Grimes acknowledged that while Costner’s absence has been felt, the show has always been about the next generation of Duttons—his character Kayce, Beth, and Jamie—and how they navigate life without John. As Grimes put it, “It was, can these kids do it without him? We all knew it was going to get there, we just didn’t know how or when.”
The loss of Costner’s John Dutton has certainly shifted the focus of the show, but it has also ramped up the drama, with the Dutton family’s internal conflicts threatening to unravel everything they’ve worked for.
Wes Bentley, who portrays Jamie Dutton, also weighed in on the absence of Costner, saying, “We miss him, he’s a huge part of the show and a great guy to have around.” Bentley’s comments highlight just how integral Costner’s character was to the heart of the show. However, with the focus now on the younger Duttons and the future of the ranch, the show is evolving, and it’s unclear what that evolution might look like.
Will We See More of Rip and Beth?
As for Rip and Beth, their love story has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From their complicated history to their explosive chemistry, these two characters have been the emotional backbone of the series. Fans have watched their relationship grow, and it’s clear that there’s still a lot of story left to tell.
When asked about their future on the show, Hauser was open to the idea of continuing to explore Rip and Beth’s journey. “As long as Taylor wants to write something special, I know Kelly and I would be interested to do it,” Hauser said. And it’s easy to see why. Rip and Beth are two of the most fascinating characters on the show, and there’s so much potential for more drama, more conflict, and more passion between them.
Whether it’s facing new challenges on the ranch, dealing with family drama, or exploring the complexities of their relationship, there’s plenty of untold story for Rip and Beth. Hauser and Reilly clearly have a strong connection to their characters, and with Taylor Sheridan at the helm, there’s always the possibility for new chapters in their story.
The Future of Yellowstone and the Duttons
So, will Yellowstone truly end with Season 5? The answer isn’t entirely clear yet. While the show has officially announced the second half of Season 5 as the end of the series, Hauser and Reilly’s comments suggest that there’s still room for more. It’s likely that the future of Rip and Beth—and perhaps the Dutton family as a whole—will depend on the direction Taylor Sheridan wants to take.
One thing’s for sure: Yellowstone has had a massive cultural impact. It has introduced audiences to a gritty, complex world where loyalty, family, and power are constantly in flux. The show’s success has led to the expansion of the Yellowstone universe with prequels and spin-offs. While the end of the series might be bittersweet for fans, it’s clear that the Dutton family will continue to shape the landscape of television in one form or another.
As for Rip and Beth? They’ve got the potential to be part of that future, and based on what we’ve heard from Hauser and Reilly, they’re not ready to say goodbye just yet.
Conclusion: Is the Story Really Over?
Whether or not Yellowstone truly ends with Season 5, one thing is certain: the impact of the Dutton family will continue to resonate for years to come. The series has not only defined a genre but has also cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon.
While it’s sad to think about saying goodbye to characters we’ve grown so attached to, there’s always the chance that Rip, Beth, and the rest of the Duttons could return. The future of Yellowstone is still a bit uncertain, but for now, we can take comfort in the fact that the story has been one hell of a ride.
