Taylor Sheridan wasn’t nearly as involved behind the scenes during Season 1 of Dutton Ranch as many viewers may have realized.
According to star Kelly Reilly, that wasn’t always an easy adjustment. After years of bringing Beth Dutton to life through Sheridan’s writing, she wasn’t sure the series would work without his creative voice leading the way.
But after making it through the first season, Reilly says things are changing again — and Sheridan is ready to become much more involved in Season 2.
A Big Change
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Reilly admitted she wasn’t sure what Dutton Ranch would look like without Sheridan’s creative voice guiding the series.
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“I was very uncertain of what this would be without his words,” she said. “I didn’t know if it was gonna work. I didn’t know if she was going to work.”
The actress, who reprises her role as Beth Dutton, said it felt as though part of the character “had to die” before she could figure out who Beth was in this new chapter.
Behind the scenes, Season 1 also underwent a major leadership change, with Chad Feehan stepping down as showrunner and Benjamin Cavell taking over.
Earning Season 2
Reilly said there was an adjustment period as the cast and crew learned how to move forward without Sheridan serving as the show’s day-to-day creative force.
Everything comes to an end, and his time with these characters as creative leader, it ended. So there was a moment where we were trying to figure out, ‘How do we do this without him?’
Now, she says the hard work has paid off.
“We talk to him now about what the next season could be, and he wants to be involved,” Reilly revealed. “So that feels like we earned this second season from all the work we’ve done before.”
Back in the Saddle?
Sheridan’s renewed involvement comes as his television empire continues to grow.
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The writer and producer launched the Yellowstone universe before expanding it with 1883, 1923, Dutton Ranch, and Marshals.
He’s also the creative force behind hit series including Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, and Tulsa King.
While Reilly didn’t say exactly what Sheridan’s increased involvement will look like, it appears the creator of the Dutton family will have a much larger hand in shaping Season 2 than he did the first time around.
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Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker