Inside the “Yellowstone” Spin-Off Frenzy: Wild Speculation, Casting Dreams & the Facts

Beth and Rip’s Love Story Continues: What We Know About the New Yellowstone Spin-Off

With Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser officially confirmed to reprise their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler in the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off, rumors and fan theories have taken over the internet — from wild casting ideas to speculation about the show’s title and setting.

Earlier this week, Fox News Digital confirmed that the beloved couple will continue their on-screen love story, with the new series picking up right where Yellowstone leaves off. According to the show’s early synopsis, Beth and Rip will be enjoying a hard-earned peace on a sprawling 7,000-acre ranch. But with new challenges ahead and fierce competition, they’ll be forced to fight for everything they’ve built — including helping Carter grow into the man he’s meant to be.

While the official title of the spin-off is still under wraps, Country Living debunked rumors that the series would be called Rio Palo. A representative for 101 Studios, the production company behind all of Taylor Sheridan’s shows, confirmed that The Dutton Ranch is just a working title and will not be the final name.

Fans hoping for a 2025 release may be disappointed — Paramount has confirmed the new series will premiere in 2026.

There’s also speculation about the show’s location. Some fans theorized it might not take place at the iconic Dutton Ranch in Montana. That theory holds some weight, as Country Living confirmed that filming is currently underway in Ferris, Texas — a small town about 20 miles from Dallas. This shift hints at a fresh setting and possibly a new chapter for Beth and Rip.

The production is reportedly looking to cast a “Kevin Costner-type” character — suggesting this spin-off may be closer in tone and feel to the original Yellowstone than other Sheridan prequels like 1883 or 1923.

Fans have also weighed in on which familiar faces they’d love to see return. One name being floated is Neal McDonough, who played villain Malcolm Beck. Given the ambiguous end to his character, there’s room for a comeback. “Malcolm Beck is not dead. No one actually saw him die,” McDonough recently said, adding that he’d love to square off with Rip again. “Cole Hauser is one of my dearest pals… there’s nothing I’d love more than to go toe-to-toe with Cole on the show.”

McDonough even encouraged fans to campaign for his return. “Everyone’s got to write in to Taylor saying, ‘Bring Malcolm Beck back!’” he joked, noting he’s only had one brief five-minute conversation with Taylor Sheridan — yet has continued to be cast in his projects.

Despite the buzz and speculation, there are several confirmed details. Academy Award nominee Annette Bening is joining the cast as Beulah Jackson, described as a “powerful, cunning, and charming” leader of a major Texas ranch. Finn Little is also set to return as Carter, the young boy adopted by Beth and Rip.

With so much confirmed — and even more still up in the air — fans will be watching closely as this next chapter in the Yellowstone universe takes shape.