The actress, who brought Beth Dutton to life in the hit western drama, is finally speaking out about how the series concluded after five intense, wildly successful seasons.

And while she remains proud of what they built, she’s not pretending the ending was smooth.

 

 

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After dominating TV for four straight seasons, the show’s final run was overshadowed by off-screen tension and the early departure of star Kevin Costner. The result? A season many felt never quite found its footing.

 

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

“I’m just picking my words, because I’ve never really talked about it,” she said. “A lot went on behind the scenes that had nothing to do with me. I was just waiting — ‘When are we going back to work?’”

 

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She didn’t name names, but her comments line up with widely reported friction between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan.

Costner had reportedly locked in a filming window to accommodate his Horizon film project. When Yellowstone’s schedule changed, he allegedly requested more compensation.

Read More: New ‘Marshals’ Trailer Suggests Tragedy for Monica Dutton [WATCH]

Sheridan — famously secretive with scripts — refused to release the ending early, creating a standoff that eventually brought the series to a halt.

What could have been a creative compromise turned into a full-blown breakdown, with lawyers stepping in before either side backed down.

Still Grateful for Beth
Despite the chaos, Reilly says she remains thankful for Beth — a fierce, layered woman unlike most characters on television.

 

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

“Because she [Beth] is unapologetic, out there, flawed, damaged and brave,” Reilly explained. “Women are always asked to play strong role model types, while men can play the gnarliest characters and get away with it.”

 

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Reilly is set to reprise her role in Dutton Ranch, the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff that will also bring back Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler.

 

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Originally expected in late 2025, the series is now set for early 2026 — though no official premiere date has been announced.

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

No character is safe in Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe. Here are the 17 most stunning deaths from 1883, 1923 and five seasons of Yellowstone.

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Jamie Dutton’s death during the Season 5 Yellowstone finale was seven years in the making. Everyone knew Beth Dutton wanted him dead, but it was still stunning to see it happen.

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

Actor Kevin Costner’s public negotiations with Paramount made it clear that his character would not return to finish Season 5. This made his death inevitable as Part 2 of the final season of Yellowstone began.

Read More: Kelly Reilly Believes ‘Yellowstone’s Ending Fell Short: ‘Shame’ | https://tasteofcountry.com/kelly-reilly-yellowstone-ending-drama/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral