Kelly Reilly breaks the silence about the ending of “Yellowstone” and the off-screen tensions that shaped the final chapter of the hit Western series.
In December 2024, “Yellowstone” concluded after five seasons following a widely reported conflict between lead actor Kevin Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan. The behind-the-scenes drama led to Costner’s early departure from the series, forcing producers to remake the final season and ending of “Yellowstone”.
In an interview with The Times published on Saturday, Reilly, 48, who played Beth Dutton, expressed regret about the way “Yellowstone” ended.
“It’s a shame things ended that way, but it was a success,” she said.
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“Yellowstone” star Kelly Reilly has opened up about her disappointment with how the show ended. (Michael Buckner/Deadline/Penske Media via Getty Images)
In the final years of “Yellowstone” production, Costner and Sheridan reportedly clashed over scheduling, contractual terms, and creative control. Costner seemed to have issues with the timing of “Yellowstone” filming as he wanted to focus on his passion project, the Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga”.
After negotiations reportedly broke down, Costner left Yellowstone before filming the final episodes of Season 5, leading to the creative team killing off his character, John Dutton, sooner than originally planned.
Costner’s departure is also believed to have played a role in the decision to end the series at Season 5 instead of continuing longer.
Reilly plays Beth Dutton, the daughter of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. (Supreme+)
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When it aired in December 2024, the final season of “Yellowstone” divided viewers, with fans and critics widely speculating that off-screen conflict had influenced how the Dutton family story ended.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Reilly appeared to confirm that the off-screen television series had influenced the ending of “Yellowstone”.
“[If] we were just drinking beer, I could share more,” the actress said. “It was supposed to only last five years. … It was a success. … A life of its own.”
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“I’m just choosing my words carefully because I’ve never really talked about it,” she continued. “There’s so much going on behind the scenes that has nothing to do with me. I’m just waiting. ‘When are we going back to work?’”
Reilly is pictured with Costner and Sheridan in 2018. (Photo by Presley Ann/Getty)
Reilly is returning to the Yellowstone universe with Sheridan’s upcoming spin-off series, “Dutton Ranch,” which follows Beth and her husband Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they build a new life and legacy after the events of the final “Yellowstone” film.
“Dutton Ranch” will also star Annette Bening and Ed Harris, while Finn Little returns as Carter, Beth and Rip’s adopted son.
Speaking to The Sunday Times, Reilly clarified what viewers can expect to see from Beth as her story continues.
Cole Hauser and Reilly will return as Rip Wheeler and Beth in “Dutton Ranch”. (Supreme)
She said, “This is a different era. I’ve achieved the goal of a younger Beth.” “But there are many reasons why audiences love her. Beth is relentless, dangerous, and could easily be mistaken for a man. At first, people were very critical.”
Reilly shared his view that the criticism of Beth stemmed from the character’s disregard for audience expectations of how women “should” behave on screen.
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Reilly said, “She’s not remorseful at all, out there, flawed, flawed, and brave. Women are always expected to play strong role models, while men can play the most horrific roles and get away with it.”
“That’s very liberating.”