Annette Bening joins upcoming 'Yellowstone' spinoff 'The Dutton Ranch'

‘The Dutton Ranch’ will center on Rip and Beth, played by Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly. The spinoff picks up after the end of ‘Yellowstone,’ with the couple moving to a new ranch, essentially keeping the same formula but shifting the setting, unlike other spinoffs that explored different time periods in Dutton history.

Bening joins the cast as Beulah Jackson, described as “powerful, cunning, and charming,” who oversees a major Texas ranch. It’s a fittingly formidable role for Bening, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors. She has built one of the most respected careers in Hollywood, balancing prestige projects with more mainstream fare. Across her career, Bening has collected five Academy Award nominations and multiple Golden Globes, establishing herself as one of the premier actors of her generation. Bening’s presence instantly raises the prestige level of the latest Dutton saga.

‘The Dutton Ranch,’ if that remains the final title, now has its showrunner in place. Chad Sheehan, who previously created ‘Lawman: Bass Reeves’ for Paramount+, will be steering the series. Given that project was another Taylor Sheridan production, Sheehan already has experience operating in the Sheridan-verse. Pairing his involvement with the addition of Annette Bening gives the spinoff some real credibility right out of the gate, suggesting Paramount+ is aiming for this to be one of the more prestige-leaning entries in the ever-expanding ‘Yellowstone’ universe.

(h/t The Hollywood Reporter)