Why Beth & Rip’s ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff Doesn’t Need a Kevin Costner Replacement – But Could Still Feature John Dutton III

Amid the events of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, a casting deal broke the news that Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s Beth and Rip characters would headline their offshoot of Taylor Sheridan’s landmark series. The report came as questions swirled about the neo-Western franchise, with fans wondering if the original show would continue after Yellowstone season 5’s finale. Now, as Reilly and Hauser’s Yellowstone spinoff takes form, many critics are wondering whether Beth and Rip’s show will be a carbon copy of what would have been Yellowstone season 6.

Kevin Costner, who brought notoriety and prestige to the series as John Dutton, revealed he hoped there would be seven seasons for Yellowstone. However, Costner’s exit from the modern Western show was the paramount reason Yellowstone’s seven-season plan couldn’t continue as envisioned. Costner’s John Dutton III was the soul of the show. However, Costner didn’t return to Yellowstone season 5, part 2, due to several disputes that riddled the final chapter. As it advances as Yellowstone’s successor, Beth and Rip’s show is reportedly looking for Costner’s replacement (via Puck). Still, there’s no need. The show can feature John Dutton III.

Josh Lucas Plays A Young John Dutton In Yellowstone’s Flashbacks

Yellowstone Has Two John Duttons

In Yellowstone seasons 1, 2, and 5, Josh Lucas plays a younger version of John Dutton in flashbacks. Lucas’ debut is Yellowstone season 1, episode 3, “No Good Horses.” The episode flashes back to a traumatic moment for young Beth Dutton (Kylie Rogers), blamed for her mother’s death after a disturbance with the horses causes John’s wife to fall backwards off her horse, fracturing her spine. When Beth makes it back to the ranch, Lucas’ John Dutton frantically asks his daughter what happened, then leads a search party to locate his wife and youngest son, Rhys Alterman’s Kayce.

After setting up John Dutton’s backstory in Yellowstone seasons 1 and 2, Lucas features frequently throughout the first half of season 5. Lucas appears with younger versions of Beth, Rip (Kyle Red Silverstein), and young Lloyd (Forrest Smith), explaining the ranch’s history of defending itself from local threats in the Modern Era. Lucas’ appearance and performance as John Dutton are satisfyingly believable, enhancing the Yellowstone cast with a younger version of Costner’s character that fans can subscribe to completely. The same could be said for Silverstein, who portrays Rip in his adolescence.

Beth & Rip’s Spinoff Is The Perfect Place For More Yellowstone Flashbacks

Yellowstone’s Flashbacks Eventually Revolved Around Young Beth And Rip

Silverstein has a similarly robust presence in Yellowstone season 5 as young Rip, appearing in even more episodes than Lucas. That’s because, as the original series progressed, the flashbacks became as much Beth and Rip’s origin story as they were an explainer of the family and life on the ranch. In Yellowstone season 5, episode 1, Rip and Beth go on their first date just before Beth goes off to college to study finance. While the date ends poorly, the flashback leads to a “blanket apology” from Kelly Reilly’s Beth, with the flashback directly informing the couple’s present.

Therefore, the couple’s spinoff is the perfect place for more Yellowstone flashbacks of Beth and Rip’s younger years. The memories became a vital part of Beth and Rip’s saga, explaining the moments leading up to their becoming the paramount Yellowstone power couple. Still, as Costner was to Reilly and Hauser in the original series, young John Dutton’s role in adolescent Beth and Rip’s flashbacks is essential. While the new offshoot intends to replace Costner, Beth and Rip’s offshoot could instead lean on John Dutton’s past influence and existing characters, with Lucas reprising his role alongside Rogers and Silverstein.

Revisiting Young John Dutton III Is A Better Idea Than Casting A Kevin Costner Replacement

Josh Lucas Is A Tested Yellowstone Actor

Since Costner’s absence as John Dutton is already a sore subject, Beth and Rip’s spinoff could show more of John Dutton rather than replace him. It would be exciting to see existing actors return for the offshoot. It would also avoid the risk of putting together an ensemble that doesn’t resonate with Yellowstone’s fans. Lucas’ pairing with the younger Beth and Rip actors is a tested and proven formula, and learning more about the couple in their younger years would be a fun watch. More Yellowstone flashbacks could explain who Beth and Rip were after John’s daughter went to college.

The memories could explain how Beth and Rip hit their stride as adults, becoming the people who would eventually find each other. We know that Beth and Rip didn’t properly date after their ill-fated night out, but surely the pair interacted as they grew older, with Beth returning to the ranch to visit John. The flashbacks could focus on the characters as individuals. Still, the show should primarily highlight Reilly and Hauser’s performances. The actors will hold down the series, which is why Beth and Rip’s Yellowstone spinoff could just feature John Dutton rather than replace him.