Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly ‘can’t talk’ about show’s future

Since its debut in 2018, Yellowstone has captivated audiences with its gripping storylines, cowboy culture, and family drama. At the heart of this popular show is Kelly Reilly, whose portrayal of the fierce and complex Beth Dutton has made her a fan favorite. As the show prepares to wrap up its fifth season, Reilly spoke candidly about the future of Yellowstone and her character, revealing some intriguing possibilities.

The series, which has made a global impact, is set to conclude its fifth season next month. Yet, Reilly, who plays the tempestuous Beth Dutton, remains uncertain about her future with the character. She admits that the season’s ending will mark “the ending of the Yellowstone world we have known,” but she’s not ready to say goodbye to Beth just yet. “Does it mean it’s the end of me playing her? Maybe, maybe not,” she shared. “We don’t know yet.”

While Paramount has already announced plans to end Yellowstone with its fifth season, the show’s universe is expanding with spin-offs. Reilly, who has become synonymous with her role as Beth, expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to play the character. “I’d love to keep playing her,” she says, acknowledging that any spin-off would likely represent “a new beginning somewhere.” However, she’s cautious not to give too much away, hinting at ongoing conversations about her future with the franchise.

The drama surrounding Yellowstone has not been limited to what happens on screen. The show’s fifth season has been marred by Kevin Costner’s reduced involvement, with the actor filming only part of the season due to scheduling conflicts. Costner, who plays patriarch John Dutton, cited his commitment to his own film project, Horizon, as the primary reason for his absence. This has elevated Reilly’s profile, leaving her as one of the leading stars of the show.

Born and raised in Chessington, London, Reilly has worked steadily for years in both British and American productions, including roles in True Detective, Prime Suspect, and Above Suspicion. But it wasn’t until Yellowstone that her career truly exploded internationally. Despite the newfound attention, Reilly remains grounded, reflecting on her 30 years in the industry. “I’m 47 years old, it hasn’t happened overnight,” she laughs, adding that it’s not the first time she’s had attention for her work. “But I treat it at arm’s length. I don’t spend too much time thinking about it.”

The actress also maintains a sense of normalcy in her personal life. “Nothing has changed, other than I’m really busy,” she says, emphasizing that her quiet life away from the spotlight is something she values deeply. “I don’t get to sleep at home very often, which is annoying because I love home!”

Reilly, who has long kept her personal life private, has often surprised fans who assume she is American due to her convincing portrayal of Beth. When Yellowstone first began, she refrained from doing press in order to let audiences fully immerse themselves in her character. “People talk to me as if Beth is real,” Reilly admits. “I’m always going to be a bit of a letdown when people meet me.”

Beth Dutton is a character like no other—fierce, unapologetic, and unyielding. Reilly’s portrayal of Beth, who has endured immense trauma, from sexual assault to betrayal by her family, has made her a symbol of strength for many viewers. One of her most iconic lines, “You are the trailer park, I am the tornado,” has become a fan favorite, printed on T-shirts and shared widely on social media.

For Reilly, playing Beth is an emotional journey. “I’m very introverted,” she explains, “I don’t have any dreams of vengeance in my life.” But portraying Beth, a character who thrives on conflict, has been exhilarating. “There’s something really exciting about playing her. I feel like I’m on an adrenaline rush for four months while I play her.” However, once filming wraps, Reilly says she’s eager to return to her “quiet, boring life,” though she admits she’s excited to dive back into the role when the next season begins.

Beth’s raw, unapologetic nature has struck a chord with fans, particularly women. “She’s unequivocally herself and unapologetic about that,” says Reilly, adding that Beth’s freedom from societal expectations resonates deeply. “She is not afraid of dying, she is not afraid of losing.”

Reilly reflects on what a potential happy ending for Beth might look like. After everything her character has been through, Reilly suggests that a cathartic resolution would be ideal, but she trusts creator Taylor Sheridan to know what’s best for Beth. “I would hate to leave her out in the wilderness,” Reilly says, though she acknowledges that Yellowstone characters rarely seek peaceful lives. “They strive to protect, they strive to kill, they strive to be killed.”

As Yellowstone heads toward its conclusion, fans are eager to see how Beth’s story will unfold—and whether Reilly’s iconic character will continue in some form beyond the series. Season five, part two, premieres on Paramount on November 10, 2024, leaving fans to wonder if this is truly the end of the Dutton family saga—or just the beginning of something new.