Kelly Reilly is leaving her popular role on Paramount’s hit western series “Yellowstone” for a chance to star alongside Denzel Washington in the upcoming sci-fi romance film “Equals.” Reilly has long wanted to work with the two-time Oscar winner, making the lead role in director Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming project difficult for the British actress to pass up. It remains unclear how Reilly’s departure will impact her fan favorite character Beth’s fate on future seasons of “Yellowstone” as viewers will certainly miss her talent and complexity in the role.
Kelly Reilly Exits Popular Western Series
Kelly Reilly, who plays the fierce Beth Dutton on the hit Paramount series “Yellowstone,” has announced that she will not return for the show’s recently announced sixth season. Reilly has been a fan favorite on the modern Western since it launched in 2018, standing out with her complex portrayal of the feisty and ruthless daughter of Kevin Costner’s rancher John Dutton.
Project With Denzel Captures Reilly’s Attention
It seems another high-profile project has captured Reilly’s attention instead of the sixth season of “Yellowstone.” Reports indicate the British actress will star alongside Denzel Washington in the upcoming film “Equals,” a sci-fi romance directed by Antoine Fuqua. Plot details are still scarce, but the concept is based on a script from “The Batman” writer Mattson Tomlin.
Reilly has gushed in past interviews about her desire to work with two-time Academy Award winner Washington. “It would just be incredible even to meet Denzel Washington, let alone get the chance to act opposite him,” Reilly told Variety last year. It’s clear why starring in “Equals” would be difficult to pass up compared to returning to the small screen.
What “Equals” Means for Beth’s Fate
There has been intense speculation from fans about whether Reilly exiting “Yellowstone” means Beth will be killed off in the upcoming season. The character is certainly prone to risk-taking and seems to constantly escape death. Reilly had hinted that Beth might finally run out of luck.
However, other reports claim Beth will survive season six, just with a reduced role and likely exit from the show later on. It may come down to tricky scheduling if Reilly wants to pursue other film projects while potentially making guest appearances on “Yellowstone” moving forward.
One thing is clear – fans will miss seeing Beth scheme, wisecrack, and stir up drama on the Dutton ranch each week alongside Costner and the rest of the show’s impressive ensemble cast. Hopefully “Equals” gives Reilly an equally epic character to sink her teeth into instead.