The Yellowstone universe is expanding again—and this time, an award-winning actress is joining the ranch. Annette Bening has been

announced as a lead in the upcoming Beth & Rip spinoff series, now carrying the working title The Dutton Ranch.

She will star opposite Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), and Finn Little (Carter), who are all reprising their iconic roles from the original series.

What We Know About The Dutton Ranch
The series will follow Beth and Rip as they continue to build their life on the ranch they nearly gave everything for. Set on a sprawling 7,000-acre property, The Dutton Ranch promises to highlight the couple’s struggles to survive tough competition, defend their land, and raise Carter into the man he is destined to become.

Importantly, this spinoff will remain in the present-day timeline—the closest narrative connection yet to the original Yellowstone series.

A Look Back at Beth and Rip
Fans of the Yellowstone “mothership” know Beth and Rip’s story as one of the show’s most powerful arcs. Beth, daughter of John Dutton III (Kevin Costner), built her reputation as a fierce businesswoman before returning to the ranch. Rip, once a troubled boy taken in by John Dutton, became both ranch foreman and Beth’s steadfast partner.

Their love story was a central pillar of the series, and The Dutton Ranch will continue exploring their resilience and partnership as they navigate new challenges.

Annette Bening Joins the Yellowstone Universe
Bringing Annette Bening into the cast adds star power and depth. The BAFTA and Golden Globe winner, with four Oscar nominations (The Grifters, American Beauty, Being Julia, The Kids Are Alright) and an Emmy nod (Mrs. Harris), has a career spanning stage and screen.

Most recently, she appeared in Netflix’s Nyad (2023) and will star in Apple TV+’s Lucky opposite Anya Taylor-Joy. She also headlines Maggie Gyllenhaal’s upcoming film The Bride.

Her casting signals that The Dutton Ranch is not just another spinoff—it’s set to be a prestige drama in its own right.

Related: Who Is The Strongest Woman In The Yellowstone Universe?

Who’s Behind the Scenes
Chad Feehan, best known for Lawmen: Bass Reeves, has been tapped as showrunner. Taylor Sheridan and John Linson return as co-creators and executive producers, alongside David Glasser, Art Linson, Bob Yari, and others. The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios.