The world of Yellowstone has been buzzing with rumors, leaks, and endless speculation about a potential spin-off centered on one of the franchise’s most beloved couples—Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. For months, fans were left wondering if the project was even real after cancellations, title debates, and constant delays clouded the news cycle. But at last, confirmation has arrived. The cameras are rolling, the set is alive, and we finally have some intriguing details about where this story is headed.
From the start, the entire project has been cloaked in secrecy. Early whispers suggested a working title of Dutton Ranch, sparking hope that the saga of the Dutton family might continue directly into a sixth season of Yellowstone. However, Cole Hauser himself quickly dismissed those theories, saying bluntly, “First of all, it’s not Dutton Ranch. That’s not the name of it.” His words made it clear that Taylor Sheridan and the creative team are guarding this spin-off tightly. Even the title remains hidden, and while that frustrates some fans, it also adds to the sense that what’s coming is too important to spoil early.
Still, secrecy couldn’t keep every detail under wraps. The biggest surprise so far? The filming location. Instead of the sweeping valleys of Montana, where Beth and Rip seemingly settled at the end of Yellowstone, most of the spin-off is being shot in Texas. Production reports confirm that the crew has set up base in and around Ferris, Texas, working under the placeholder name Rio Paulo. At first, fans and insiders alike were confused—was this a brand-new Sheridan show instead of a Yellowstone extension? But eventually, word came out that Rio Paulo is just a decoy name meant to throw off speculation.
Why Texas? The answer is both creative and practical. Sheridan has invested heavily in a massive production complex near Fort Worth, a facility capable of hosting several projects at once. Already used for shows like Lawmen: Bass Reeves, this complex gives Sheridan and his crew total control, cutting costs and maximizing efficiency. Texas also offers strong filming incentives. From a business perspective, the move makes perfect sense. But narratively? Many fans are uneasy. Montana is Yellowstone’s soul, and seeing Beth and Rip uprooted to Texas feels strange. Some hope the Texas locations are being used mostly for interior filming, with exterior shots still happening in Montana to preserve the show’s authenticity. After all, Sheridan has blended multiple locations before in 1883 and 1923, so a hybrid approach could still honor the original spirit.
But the big question remains—what does this shift mean for Beth and Rip’s storyline? The Yellowstone finale gave us a tantalizing clue when Beth revealed that she had purchased a ranch of her own, west of Dillon, Montana. Tucked deep in the Madison Valley, far from ski resorts and outsiders, the ranch promised a quiet, isolated life for the couple. Fans immediately theorized that this ranch would connect Beth and Rip to The Madison, another spin-off rumored to star Michelle Pfeiffer. A crossover seemed natural, allowing Sheridan to weave his universe more tightly together. And while that still may happen, it now looks like Beth and Rip’s story will begin in a very different place than expected.
Cole Hauser has teased that the heart of the spin-off will be Rip and Beth’s relationship. He and Kelly Reilly are reportedly committed to diving deeper into the characters’ love story while also exploring the challenges that come with their fiercely independent personalities. But Hauser also admitted that stepping into this project without the full Yellowstone family feels bittersweet. He mentioned how strange it will be to continue without Forrie J. Smith, who played Lloyd, though many fans hope that Lloyd will at least make a guest appearance after being seen with Beth and Rip in the final Yellowstone scenes.
One returning face that fans can count on is Carter, the young boy Beth and Rip took under their wing. His presence has been confirmed, ensuring that their found-family dynamic continues to evolve. In addition, Colombian actor Juan Pablo Raba is joining the cast. Casting calls in Texas have also sought stand-ins for Raba, child actors, and even prisoner roles. This suggests that at least part of the plot will involve a prison storyline.
And here’s where the rumors take a darker turn: some sources claim that Beth herself may end up in prison. Whispers suggest that she could finally face justice for her role in Jamie’s downfall, and the spin-off might open years later with Beth already incarcerated. If true, the first episode could focus on her release and her attempt to rebuild life with Rip outside prison walls. Of course, Beth is nothing if not cunning, so it remains to be seen whether she would ever let herself be caught so easily.
Another intriguing rumor points to Beth and Rip possibly trying to expand their family. Despite already having Carter, speculation suggests they may pursue having a child of their own—whether through adoption or otherwise. While this storyline is unlikely to dominate the opening episodes, it could become a major arc as the series unfolds, testing Beth and Rip’s bond in new ways.
As for when we’ll get to see all of this, the timeline has shifted. Originally slated for a November 2025 premiere, the spin-off has now been delayed to 2026. Paramount has not given an official reason, but it’s easy to see why. Sheridan is juggling a packed slate that includes The Madison, the long-awaited 6666 series, the mysterious 1944, and Land Man, along with other projects. With so many irons in the fire, scheduling inevitably got complicated.
Despite the delays, anticipation for the Beth and Rip spin-off remains sky-high. Fans know that the couple’s fiery love story is one of Yellowstone’s greatest strengths, and giving them their own stage feels like a natural evolution. Whether the show sticks close to Montana roots or plants itself firmly in Texas, the emotional stakes will be enormous. After all, Rip and Beth have faced betrayal, bloodshed, and heartbreak before—but this time, they’ll be on their own.
So what do you think? Will Beth truly serve prison time, or is she too slippery to ever get caught? Will Rip finally find peace, or will new enemies emerge in Texas? And most of all, will this spin-off honor the Yellowstone legacy while carving out a world of its own? One thing is certain: when the first trailer finally drops, fans won’t just be watching—they’ll be dissecting every single frame.
