Annette Bening Reveals Whether She Told Kevin Costner She Was Cast in “Yellowstone” Spinoff “Dutton Ranch” (Exclusive)

**Annette Bening Joins the Yellowstone Universe with ‘Dutton Ranch’**

Hollywood actress Annette Bening is expanding her cinematic repertoire by entering the expansive world of the “Yellowstone” franchise with the new spinoff series, “Dutton Ranch.” This marks her debut within the acclaimed series that has captured audiences worldwide.

Set against the backdrop of a fierce rivalry between ranch owners, “Dutton Ranch” focuses on beloved characters Beth Dutton, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, and Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser. Bening, 67, takes on the role of Beulah Jackson, a rival ranch owner whose character promises to deliver complexity and intrigue to the narrative.

During discussions about her involvement in the series, Bening revealed her longstanding admiration for the original “Yellowstone,” which led her to seize the opportunity to join the franchise. However, she noted that she has not yet informed her former co-star, Kevin Costner, about her new role. Costner, who starred alongside Bening in the 2003 Western “Open Range,” previously played the patriarch of the Dutton family, John Dutton, before his departure from “Yellowstone” in 2024.

“I haven’t let him know,” Bening admitted in an interview with *PEOPLE*. Despite her silence regarding the new role, she assured fans that she and Costner have maintained a friendship over the years, often crossing paths but not necessarily discussing their respective projects.

Reflecting on her time working with Costner in “Open Range,” Bening expressed pride in the film, which also featured eminent actors like Robert Duvall and Michael Gambon. She fondly recalled the impact the film had, not only on her career but also on her family. “My father just died a few years ago. Some of my movies, my father would not watch, but that one, he watched it over and over,” she shared, highlighting the film’s lasting significance in her life.

Bening’s enthusiasm for her new role is also driven by her admiration for Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton in “Yellowstone.” She finds the character compelling and is excited to explore the dynamics of her character’s relationship with Beth. In “Dutton Ranch,” Beth and Rip relocate to Rio Paloma, Texas, only to face the challenges posed by Bening’s character, who leads a rival ranch.

“There’s a kind of mutual attraction and a mutual intrigue, let’s say, between these two women,” Bening explained, describing her character’s relationship with Beth. She described Beulah as someone who views Beth as “incredibly gutsy and intriguing,” promising a fascinating interplay between the characters throughout the series.

The spinoff also boasts the talents of Ed Harris, further enriching the ensemble cast. Bening underscored the importance of collaboration in acting, stating, “You’re really only as good as who you’re acting with.” She expressed enthusiasm for sharing the screen with such talented actors, emphasising the unpredictable excitement of live performances and the creative chemistry that unfolds in the moment.

Currently, the first two episodes of “Dutton Ranch” are available for streaming on Paramount+, with new episodes slated for release every Friday. As fans eagerly await the unfolding drama, Bening’s entry into the “Yellowstone” universe adds a fresh layer of anticipation to the series.

With her rich history in the industry and her evident passion for storytelling, Annette Bening’s role in “Dutton Ranch” is poised to captivate both fans of the original series and newcomers alike, ensuring that the legacy of the “Yellowstone” universe continues to thrive.