“Women won’t like her”: Kelly Reilly Was Nearly Made to “Tone Down” Beth Dutton’s Fire-Breathing Siren in Yellowstone
HBO Exec's demands, including toning down the character of Beth, is what led to Taylor Sheridan shifting to Paramount
- Before making his way to Paramount, Taylor Sheridan had pitched his hit show, Yellowstone to the HBO executives
- The executives had too many demands and changes for the show, including toning down Beth as a character, which the creator did not like
- The character of Beth is now liked by many for her fearless nature, unlike the beliefs of HBO execs
The fiery nature of Beth Dutton in the popular television series Yellowstone, played by Kelly Reilly, was nearly forced to be subdued since the public would not have approved of her portrayal. Show’s director Taylor Sheridan stated in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he was contacted by HBO and pressed on her matter; to which he openly rejected and encouraged her acting style.
American neo-Western drama television series Yellowstone was directed by Taylor Sheridan for the Paramount Network. The series follows the Dutton family, a mega ranching family in Montana who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The show has been a ratings hit for the Paramount Network and has received many accolades for its writing, directing, and acting.
HBO Nearly Made Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton Tone Down in Yellowstone
Taylor Sheridan, the director of the famous neo-Western drama TV show Yellowstone claimed during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he was contacted by the HBO execs to tone down Kelly Reilly‘s Beth Dutton. Dutton had a complex and multifaceted character who was very often described as abrasive, intelligent, and fierce. She became one of the most loved characters in the show during the second season of the show.
“‘We think she’s too abrasive. We want to tone her down. Women won’t like her.’ They were wrong, because Beth says the quiet part out loud every time. When someone’s rude to you in a restaurant, or cuts you off in the parking lot, Beth says the thing you wish you’d said.
So I said to them, ‘OK, everybody done? Who on this call is responsible for a scripted show that you guys have on the air? Oh, you’re not? Thanks.’ And I hung up. They never called back.”
Sheridan had a negative experience pitching his show to HBO executives. The executives wanted him to make big adjustments because they were critical of Sheridan’s story and characters. The execs’ criticism infuriated Sheridan that he hung up on them and declined to carry on with the talk.
This experience convinced Sheridan that HBO was not the right place for his show, and he ultimately took it to Paramount Network, where it has become a huge success. However, Beth Dutton is a fascinating and multifaceted figure who is frequently misinterpreted, but those who put in the time to get to know her will find her intelligent, compassionate, and deeply loyal.
Since its 2018 premiere, Taylor Sheridan‘s neo-Western drama series Yellowstone has been a big success for Paramount Network. The show has garnered millions of viewers every week and has become a ratings hit. In addition, the writing, directing, and acting have all received accolades. The show’s success has also resulted in a notable boost in viewership for Paramount Network in recent years.
With the show’s premiere, the network’s ratings have more than doubled, making it one of the most-watched cable networks in the country. Paramount+, the streaming service offered by Paramount Network, has also benefited from the show. Being one of the most watched shows on the platform, the show has assisted in drawing in new customers from all over the world.
In addition to benefiting Paramount Network, Yellowstone has also greatly benefited Montana. The show has increased tourism in Montana, where it was filmed on-site. Furthermore, the show has also contributed to increasing public awareness of the problems that Native Americans face.
