‘Yellowstone’ Announces Major Character Return

The “Yellowstone” universe is expanding once again—this time with fan-favorite Carter officially joining Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler in the highly anticipated spin-off. As new details emerge, longtime viewers of the hit Paramount series are getting a clearer picture of what’s next for the Dutton legacy.

Carter Returns in New ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off Centered on Beth and Rip

Although the original “Yellowstone” series wrapped its five-season run in 2024, the Dutton drama is far from over. According to Deadline, the upcoming spin-off will focus on Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser), and will feature the return of Carter, the troubled teen taken in by the couple during the main series.

Australian actor Finn Little, now 19, will reprise his role as Carter, who previously appeared in seasons 4 and 5 of “Yellowstone.” His character began as an orphaned teen with a chip on his shoulder, eventually becoming a loyal ranch hand at Yellowstone under Beth and Rip’s tough love.

Fans were quick to express their excitement. One wrote, “Awesome!!! I would be disappointed if he wasn’t in the spin off. He’s a amazing actor and he worked good with Beth and Rip’s characters.” Another added, “Carter was the best thing to happen to Beth and Rip.”

But Carter’s return isn’t the only “Yellowstone” development stirring buzz. Actor Luke Grimes, who played Kayce Dutton, will headline his own series titled “Y: Marshals,” in which Kayce joins the U.S. Marshals in Montana. That spinoff is already in production.

Cole Hauser Confirms Focus on Beth and Rip—But Not the Name ‘Dutton Ranch’

While the spin-off series featuring Beth and Rip doesn’t yet have an official title, Hauser made one thing clear in an interview with Fox News: “Well, first of all, it’s not ‘Dutton Ranch’,” Hauser said. “That’s not the name of it.”

Hauser told The Hollywood Reporter he’s thrilled to continue the story, even though some of the original cast won’t be part of the new chapter. “Not having the cast around certainly [is hard],” he admitted. “Forrie J. Smith [who played Lloyd] has become such a great friend of mine… But Kelly and I, we’re focused on [Rip and Beth’s] relationship and our love together.”

Though Paramount has not confirmed an official premiere date, the series is expected to debut in November 2025. During a May earnings call, Paramount Global co-CEO Chris McCarthy referred to the project as part of the expanding Dutton universe.

As for what fans can expect from the next chapter, Hauser promised more of the same gripping storytelling that turned “Yellowstone” into a global sensation. “We’re going and working our ass off trying to create something special,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll start seeing stuff soon.”

In the series finale, Beth secured a new property “forty miles west of Dillon, over two hours from an airport, not a (expletive) ski resort in sight”—a location fans believe could tie into another rumored spin-off titled “The Madison,” referencing the nearby Madison Valley.

Tell us! Are you happy to have Finn join Beth and Rip in their “Yellowstone” spinoff? Let us know in the comments below.