Kelly Reilly Slams Hollywood ‘Fakeness’ Amid ‘Yellowstone’ Drama and Kevin Costner’s Exit

Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly, known for her fiery portrayal of Beth Dutton, has criticized the “bulls***t and fakeness” of Hollywood while reflecting on the show’s recent dramatic turn involving Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton. In an interview with Town & Country, the British actress shared her approach to navigating the industry’s chaos and her thoughts on the future of Yellowstone.

“I don’t participate in the noise in any way. I stay out of it,” Reilly said. “The only safe place for me is in the work – and then home with my husband. Very boring. It can become a cyclone of bulls***t and fakeness, and I know I won’t find my worth in that.”

Reilly’s comments come amid fan outcry over John Dutton’s death, which occurred in the opening minutes of Season 5B. Addressing the show’s direction, she remarked, “It really is an ending. So if there is more, it’s the beginning of something else.” Discussing her character, Beth, she added, “I loved this season. There were some really different territories to explore, so I’m not clinging to her. I’m happy to put her back in her padlocked box.”

Speculation about a potential Yellowstone spin-off featuring Beth and Rip, played by Cole Hauser, has fans buzzing. Reilly expressed intrigue about exploring Beth in a new light. “I am definitely interested in Beth, and who she is after some things have happened. Who is she in peace? As an actor, you’re like, ‘Ooh, let me at that.’ Wouldn’t it be fun to watch Beth go to therapy?”

Reflecting on her journey to Yellowstone, Reilly revealed she didn’t audition for the role but was captivated by Taylor Sheridan’s script. “I didn’t even audition. Then I was like, ‘F**k, I didn’t audition.’ I was terrified because I didn’t know how I was going to do it. And it took me a minute to find her.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Costner addressed the reaction to his character’s death. Speaking at the 2024 Governors Awards, Costner said, “Fans have a voice in things and they choose to follow stuff.” He revealed he had pitched John Dutton’s death to Sheridan, but the specifics were left to producers.

Commenting on the storyline, Costner told SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program, “I didn’t know it was actually airing last night… I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one.’” Reilly acknowledged the show’s conclusion may pave the way for new possibilities. “It could end perfectly where it is, or the new beginning is something that’s intrinsically part of this ending. Both would be beautiful,” she said.

Hauser added that he and Reilly are open to continuing their characters’ stories. “As long as Taylor wants to write something special, I know Kelly and I would be interested to do it.”