The Yellowstone universe may be saying farewell to the Dutton Ranch as we know it, but the legend is far from over. A new spin-off led by the beloved duo of Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton, played by Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly, promises to continue the saga with a fresh chapter, familiar faces, and explosive drama. And now, production has confirmed its first major casting update that’s sure to please longtime fans.

The curtain fell on Yellowstone in late 2023 after five powerful seasons. Kevin Costner’s departure, coupled with mounting behind-the-scenes tension, marked the end of the original show’s run. But creator Taylor Sheridan wasn’t ready to let go of the world he built. Instead, he’s spinning the story into new territory—with the fan-favorite couple Rip and Beth front and center.

This yet-to-be-titled spin-off is set in the same timeline as the original series and retains much of its tone, themes, and world-building, offering a seamless continuation for devoted fans. While many details are still under wraps, one major update has fans buzzing: Finn Little will return as Carter, reprising his role as the emotionally complicated teen taken in by Beth and Rip during Yellowstone’s fourth season.

Carter’s return is more than just a casting note—it represents a deepening of the emotional legacy Beth and Rip began building years ago. Viewers will remember that Carter’s introduction to the Duttons came during a moment of grief: his father died of a drug overdose in the same hospital Beth was visiting. While initially cold toward him, Beth and Rip ultimately brought Carter into their world, giving him work on the ranch and a home among the chaos.

This bond grew over time, especially poignant given Beth’s infertility caused by forced sterilization—a haunting trauma that made her initial resistance to motherhood all the more painful. Carter became, in many ways, the son she never thought she could have. Their dynamic was rough-edged and layered, but underneath it pulsed real care. That thread now carries into the spin-off, raising big questions: What has become of Carter? How does his presence shift the power dynamic between Beth and Rip? And will this new series cement him as a central figure in their evolving legacy?

While Carter is the first confirmed character beyond the two leads, the production team is staying tight-lipped about who else from the Yellowstone world might appear. Still, the tone has been set. The spin-off won’t simply rehash past events; it will push these characters into new terrain.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Cole Hauser shared some tantalizing insights. He confirmed that the spin-off will not be titled “Dutton Ranch,” despite earlier speculation. While he withheld the final name, he emphasized the same creative commitment fans have come to expect, saying: “Kelly and I are going and working our [expletive] off trying to create something special.”

What “special” looks like, only time will tell—but it likely means more grit, more emotional volatility, and more of that combustible chemistry between Beth and Rip that made them one of modern television’s most iconic couples. Hauser noted that fans can “expect the same [vibe] we’ve been doing for the last seven years,” suggesting that while the setting may change, the spirit of Yellowstone will live on.

Behind the scenes, Yellowstone’s architect Taylor Sheridan is very much at the helm. Partnering once again with long-time producer David Glasser and Paramount co-CEO Chris McCarthy, Sheridan is crafting this new spin-off with the same intensity and scale that made the original a cultural juggernaut.

While no exact premiere date has been revealed, the show is reportedly targeting a fall 2025 release, possibly mirroring the November drop dates that became tradition for Yellowstone. With production underway and cast announcements trickling out, anticipation is building fast.

And the spin-off universe is only expanding from there.

Aside from Beth and Rip’s saga, another spin-off is in the works for 2026, this time centered on Luke Grimes’ character, Kayce Dutton. That series, slated to debut on CBS, will likely explore a different corner of the Yellowstone world, offering yet another avenue for storytelling and fan connection.

Meanwhile, Yellowstone’s growing anthology of period pieces will also continue. Following the success of 1883 and 1923, Paramount has greenlit 1944, another historical prequel, and The Madison, a contemporary spin-off starring Michelle Pfeiffer. All of these series, including the upcoming Rip & Beth project, will be available to stream on Paramount+, making it the definitive home for the Duttonverse.

For longtime fans, this spin-off offers both comfort and excitement. The loss of the original Yellowstone was a blow, especially amid behind-the-scenes drama involving Costner’s departure. But by preserving two of the show’s most complex and emotionally charged characters—Beth and Rip—the franchise ensures that the core of Yellowstone remains beating.

Their journey was never conventional. Beth, with her razor-sharp tongue and bottomless emotional wounds, and Rip, the quiet enforcer with a brutal past, made for a love story unlike anything else on television. Their romance was forged in fire, hardship, and blood—and now, it’s being reborn.

Carter’s return deepens that emotional soil. He isn’t just a side character; he’s the living embodiment of Beth and Rip’s attempt at healing and redemption. His presence in the spin-off suggests this series won’t just be about land, power, or legacy—it’ll be about what kind of family Beth and Rip are building out of the ashes of their trauma.

So what’s next?

We still don’t know where the story is headed—geographically or emotionally. Will the couple leave Montana entirely? Will enemies from their past follow? Will Carter thrive or rebel? And will the shadow of the Duttons still loom large even as they try to forge something new?

One thing’s for sure: if the Yellowstone legacy was ever in danger of fading, Taylor Sheridan and his team are making damn sure it won’t go quietly.