Is ‘Yellowstone’s Beth & Rip Spinoff Filming in Montana? Why It Might Not Be
The world of modern western television changed forever when Yellowstone exploded into pop-culture dominance. Fans didn’t just watch the Dutton family — they lived with them. And among all the chaos, one relationship stood out: the fierce love between Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler.
So when rumors surfaced about a Beth and Rip spinoff, excitement skyrocketed. But one question keeps popping up everywhere online: Is the spinoff filming in Montana — or moving somewhere else?
Let’s break down what we know, why Montana might not be the filming location, and what it means for the future of the franchise.
The Beth & Rip Spinoff — Why Fans Care So Much
Beth and Rip represent the emotional core of the series. Their relationship is messy, loyal, brutal, and strangely romantic — like a wildfire that refuses to burn out.
A spinoff centered on them feels natural. Viewers want to see life after the ranch wars, after the power struggles, after the dust settles.
But a spinoff raises big questions:
-
Will the tone stay the same?
-
Will the story remain tied to the Dutton legacy?
-
And most importantly… where will it be filmed?
Because location isn’t just scenery in this universe — it’s identity.
Montana — The Heart of Yellowstone’s Identity
From the very first episode, Montana wasn’t just a setting. It was a character.
The wide valleys. Snow-covered mountains. Endless ranch land. The visual language of the show depends on that scale.
Montana represents:
-
Freedom
-
Conflict over land
-
The fading myth of the American West
So naturally, fans assume any spinoff must stay there.
But television production isn’t driven by emotion — it’s driven by logistics.
Why People Think the Spinoff Is Filming in Montana
Rumors started for simple reasons.
Familiar Cast Connections
Actors tied to the original show still spend time in Montana, which fuels speculation.
Franchise Consistency
Previous spin-offs and seasons leaned heavily on western landscapes. It feels logical to continue that pattern.
Social Media Clues
Fans dissect every photo like detectives. A horse, a mountain, a dusty road — suddenly it’s “proof.”
But clues aren’t confirmation.
The Production Reality — Why Montana Might Not Be the Choice
Here’s where things get interesting.
Television production is expensive. Extremely expensive.
Tax Incentives Matter More Than Scenery
States compete for film projects. If another location offers better financial incentives, production often moves.
Scheduling and Infrastructure
Sound stages, crew availability, weather reliability — these factors can outweigh authenticity.
Montana looks perfect on screen. But it’s not always the easiest place to shoot long-term.
The Taylor Sheridan Factor
The creative force behind the franchise, Taylor Sheridan, is known for building entire production ecosystems.
He doesn’t just choose locations for beauty. He chooses them for control.
Expanding Production Hubs
Sheridan has developed filming bases in multiple states, giving him flexibility.
Efficiency Over Tradition
If a different location can replicate Montana visually while cutting costs, that option becomes attractive.
In other words: the West can be recreated.
Could Another State Double for Montana?
Absolutely — and it happens constantly in film.
Texas
Sheridan has strong production ties there.
Utah
Offers dramatic landscapes and strong film incentives.
Wyoming or New Mexico
Both provide western visuals without Montana’s logistical challenges.
To viewers, the difference may be invisible.
To producers, it can mean millions saved.
Storytelling Reasons the Spinoff Might Leave Montana
Here’s a twist many fans overlook: the location change could be intentional.
Beth and Rip’s story may require distance.
Life After the Ranch
A spinoff suggests evolution — new conflicts, new territory.
A Fresh Emotional Tone
Moving them away from the Dutton power center allows different storytelling stakes.
Reinventing the Western
The franchise constantly explores how the West is changing. A new setting supports that theme.
Sometimes geography equals character growth.
What Filming Location Signals About the Story
Think of location as a metaphor.
Montana = legacy
A new place = independence
If Beth and Rip leave, it suggests:
-
Closure with the Dutton era
-
A smaller, more personal story
-
Survival instead of domination
That shift could redefine the entire franchise.
The Business Side — Franchise Expansion Strategy
The show airs on Paramount Network, and the Yellowstone universe has become a massive brand.
Spinoffs aren’t just creative decisions — they’re strategic.
Multiple Shows, Multiple Locations
Different filming hubs allow simultaneous production.
Audience Growth
New settings attract new viewers.
Longevity
Changing scenery keeps the universe from feeling repetitive.
The location debate is really a business conversation.
Fan Expectations vs Reality
Fans want authenticity. They want Montana skies, ranch dust, and that unmistakable visual poetry.
But production teams ask a different question:
“What tells the story best within the budget?”
That gap creates rumors, disappointment, and speculation.
The Symbolism of Beth & Rip’s Future
Beth and Rip were always outsiders — even within their own world.
A spinoff set outside Montana would reflect that identity.
Love Without Territory
Their bond isn’t about land. It’s about loyalty.
Survival Storytelling
Away from family politics, their story becomes more intimate.
Western Myth Evolution
The modern West isn’t tied to one ranch anymore.
That thematic shift might be the biggest clue.
What We Actually Know So Far
Despite endless rumors, confirmed details remain limited.
-
A Beth & Rip continuation is widely expected
-
Filming locations have not been officially locked publicly
-
Production flexibility suggests multiple possibilities
In other words: speculation is louder than facts.
Why Fans Shouldn’t Worry About the Location
Here’s the truth — great storytelling travels.
If the writing stays sharp and the characters remain authentic, the emotional impact doesn’t depend on geography.
The relationship is the setting.
And Beth and Rip carry their world with them.
The Bigger Question — What Kind of Spinoff Will This Be?
Location is just the surface debate.
The real mystery is tone.
Will it be:
-
A quieter character drama?
-
A gritty survival western?
-
A road-style story exploring the modern frontier?
Where it films hints at the answer — but doesn’t define it.
The Future of the Yellowstone Universe
The franchise is shifting from one central story to a constellation of stories.
That means:
-
Different timelines
-
Different places
-
Different emotional scales
Beth and Rip could become the bridge between the old era and whatever comes next.
Conclusion
So, is the Beth and Rip spinoff filming in Montana?
Maybe. But it might not — and that doesn’t mean something is wrong.
Production realities, storytelling evolution, and franchise strategy all point toward flexibility. Montana built the identity of Yellowstone, but Beth and Rip’s future may require movement.
Sometimes leaving home is the story.
And if their journey continues somewhere new, it could signal the boldest chapter yet — one where love matters more than land, and survival matters more than legacy.
