The highly anticipated *Yellowstone* sequel series focusing on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler is finally taking shape, with filming officially underway in Texas.
After months of speculation, cancellation rumors, and title debates, whispers from behind the scenes and casting calls have shed light on what fans can expect from this untitled spin-off. Here’s a detailed look at the latest updates and plot revelations surrounding Episode 1 of the Beth and Rip story.
From the outset, this spin-off has been shrouded in secrecy. Early reports hinted at a working title of *Dutton Ranch*, but Cole Hauser, who plays Rip, clarified, “It’s not Dutton Ranch.
That’s not the name of it.” This protective stance by Paramount and creator Taylor Sheridan extends even to the project’s title, fueling curiosity while frustrating fans eager for details. Filming under the placeholder name *Rio Paulo* in Ferris, Texas, further obscures the true nature of the project.
Ferris serves as the main resident set, indicating a significant commitment to building this new world outside Montana, where Beth and Rip seemingly settled at the end of *Yellowstone*. Sheridan’s investment in a Fort Worth production facility, capable of hosting multiple projects like *Landman* Season 2, underscores this shift as both a creative and practical choice, leveraging Texas’s filming incentives and resources.
This move to Texas has sparked debate among fans, as it seemingly contradicts the *Yellowstone* finale where Beth revealed she bought a ranch 40 miles west of Dillon, Montana, in the Madison Valley.
This location ties into rumors of another spin-off, *The Madison*, suggesting potential crossovers within the *Yellowstone* universe. However, filming in Texas might focus on interiors and controlled environments, with Montana still providing the iconic ranch landscapes, a tactic Sheridan employed in *1883* and *1923*. If true, this blend could preserve the narrative’s soul while prioritizing production efficiency.
Plot-wise, the spin-off will delve deeply into Beth and Rip’s relationship, facing new challenges without the broader Dutton family. Hauser expressed excitement about exploring their love story, though he admitted the absence of characters like Lloyd (played by Forrie J. Smith) feels bittersweet.
Confirmed cast members include Carter, alongside Colombian actor Juan Pablo Raba, with casting calls seeking prisoners and child actors, hinting at intense storylines.
Rumors suggest the series begins with a time jump, showing Beth in prison—possibly facing justice for killing Jamie—before her release and the start of a new life with Rip. Speculation also surrounds a potential storyline about the couple pursuing parenthood, though this might not unfold in the first episode.
Originally slated for November 2025, the release has been delayed to 2026, likely due to Sheridan’s packed slate, including *The Madison*, *6666*, *1944*, and other projects. While the secrecy and delays frustrate some, the promise of Beth and Rip navigating personal and external conflicts in a fresh setting keeps anticipation high.
What do you think about Beth potentially starting Episode 1 in prison? Share your thoughts as we await more concrete details on this gripping continuation of the *Yellowstone* saga.
