Yellowstone‘s Kelly Reilly talks about the future of the Western show, hinting at a potentially massive change. Reilly, who has been with the series since the very beginning, in the role of Beth Dutton, has been the subject of speculation. Though it has been confirmed that a Yellowstone follow-up series is moving forward, with three-time Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer in the lead, it is less clear whether Yellowstone season 6 will happen. But recent reports have indicated that Reilly and co-star Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, are in talks to reprise their roles for a sixth installment.
In comments to Entertainment Weekly, Reilly seems to confirm that discussions are taking place for a potential Yellowstone season 6. Reilly, however, makes clear that nothing is set in stone. She also says that she would reprise her role if series creator Taylor Sheridan is still involved, though she hints that the influential Western series is due for a big change. Reilly’s full remarks are below:
There’s potentially another chapter. It’s being talked about now.
Nothing is set in stone. But if [series creator] Taylor [Sheridan] wants to write it, I would want to do it. That’s it. Because he’s the one that’s written every single line I’ve ever said. She came from his imagination. But we’re both in agreement that there’s a shift that has to take place. Because you can’t keep telling the same story. This story is ending. Yellowstone as we know it is ending, but if there is more story to tell with some of the characters, it’s going to be a little different.
What Reilly’s Latest Comments Could Mean For Yellowstone’s Future
The Kevin Costner Exit Hangs Over It All
Hanging over the future of the Western show is the tumultuous and very public exit of Kevin Costner, who will not be reprising his central role as John Dutton in Yellowstone season 5 part 2, after widely reported clashes and disagreements with Sheridan. Initially, and likely influenced by Costner’s exit, it was reported that Reilly and Hauser would reprise their roles as Beth and Rip for a spinoff. That has since changed, with the news that the pair could instead be back for a potential sixth installment.
Yellowstone season 5 part 2 is scheduled to premiere on November 10, 2024, on the Paramount Network at 8 PM ET.
Even though Reilly doesn’t reveal too much about her future with the popular drama franchise, she does underline that sweeping changes have to come to the hit Western series. That is foreshadowed by the Yellowstone trailers, which treat John Dutton as a ghost whose absence is deeply felt. More to the point, Beth is on a collision course with Jamie Dutton (Wes Bently) where it seems like one of the characters may not survive.
All of this has to be taken in the context of The Madison, the Yellowstone-connected series that will follow the McIntosh family, a New York City family living in the Madison River valley of central Montana. In addition to Pfeiffer, The Madison‘s cast includes Beau Garrett, Elle Chapman, Patrick J. Adams, Amiah Miller, and Matthew Fox.
Our Take On Yellowstone’s Future
It’s No Surprise If Reilly & Hauser Return
Although the future of the future remains a question mark beyond the remaining episodes of season 5, it’s hardly a surprise that executives and those involved with the franchise are thinking of the best ways to place Rip and Beth front and center. They are a fan-favorite couple, which makes them strong candidates among the Yellowstone cast to keep the Dutton family going in the present, considering the absence of John Dutton.
