What was once thought to be a Yellowstone spinoff featuring three

major returning actors from the original series now looks to be Yellowstone season 6.

First announced in May 2023, following the departure of lead star Kevin Costner from

Yellowstone season 5 part 2, it was reported that a sequel series from franchise creator Taylor Sheridan would continue the Dutton family story, with the likes of Matthew McConaughey and Michelle Pfeiffer circling the project.

It was then reported that Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes were finalizing their deals and would reprise their respective roles as Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, and Kayce Dutton. However, while it seems to be true that new deals were being negotiated, the latest news

suggests that these actors are not joining the new series, but rather will be headlining the sixth season of Yellowstone, reversing the decision to end the show following the second half of its fifth season.

While Kevin Costner’s exit from Yellowstone was the big talk of the series for a while, it was not the only behind-the-scenes drama that was going on with the popular show. In the wake of Costner’s conflict, it was reported that Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, and Luke Grimes were having a pay dispute with the network over their new salaries. With John Dutton no longer part of the show, all three characters would likely be expanded to larger roles, so it makes sense that new salaries were negotiated.

It is reported that the Yellowstone pay disputes had Hauser asking to be bumped up to $1.25 million per episode while Reilly is asking for $1.2 million per episode. With both actors reportedly returning, it seems their demands may have been met, or a new deal was struck. While it was initially reported that the deals were for the actors to reprise their roles on the new Yellowstone spinoff series, The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, it was later clarified that the negotiations would be for continuing the Yellowstone series.

While it will be exciting to see the show continue with these three characters reportedly in the lead roles, what that might look like remains a mystery. With John Dutton no longer a character in the story, it is uncertain how the new season will play out, but it seems as though Beth and Kayce Dutton will be thrust into the position of carrying on the Yellowstone Ranch legacy. Both characters have been at odds with their father in the past, so it will be interesting to see if either one of them begins to go down the same path as he did.

What is certain is that, if John Dutton is killed as many fans suspect, Rip would be looking to settle that score. Yellowstone season 5 part 2 has a premiere date set for November 10, 2024. While John Dutton’s early exit from the series surely changed how the story would unfold, the fifth season will give a better indication of what the series will look like going forward.

The finale of Yellowstone season 5 part 1 is big on flashbacks. A young Rip accidentally kills the cowboy who had been disrespectful to a young Beth. From there, Rip helps Llyod dispose of the body at the Wyoming border, where the Duttons tend to get rid of their enemies. This bit of conspiring helps endear Rip to a young John Dutton and brings him closer to the family overall. They all celebrate, but in the present, things are not exactly going smoothly for the trio — especially Beth.

Jamie reveals that he has incriminating photos of his own, which would indicate where all the bodies are buried, and do serious damage to the Dutton name.

It’s in the present that John inquires about whether Kayce will run the ranch while Rip is in Texas. That is juxtaposed with Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), John’s adopted son, who sought to derail his father’s political career. Jamie calls for John’s impeachment, essentially dinging his father for billions of wasted money and jobs, and Beth does not take kindly to Jamie’s scheming.

After a nice phone call with Rip, she confronts Jamie and hits him with a rock. She’s ready to take him down with compromising photos, but he’s one step ahead. Jamie reveals that he has incriminating photos of his own, which would indicate where all the bodies are buried, and do serious damage to the Dutton name.

Beth vows to go to war against Jamie, leaving in a huff. John later explains the border situation to Beth, which is referred to as “the train station.” Beth, however, is more focused on the need to permanently get rid of Jamie. The siblings think alike, however, since Jamie also wants to kill his sister and make it look like a heart attack if possible.

But despite the drama between Beth and Jamie, it’s not all bad. Kayce talks to Monica (played by Kelsey Asbille) about possibly growing their family. Still, it’s looking very likely that not everyone will make it out of the finale alive. The latest Yellowstone cast update does at least favor Beth’s chances, though.