Kelly Reilly Joins Exciting New Series Post-Yellowstone Departure

Kelly Reilly is embracing new opportunities! After six successful years embodying the beloved character Beth Dutton in Yellowstone, the actress is now set to embark on a compelling new journey. With the neo-Western drama concluding its final season in November, Kelly is poised to lead the Sky Original series, Under Salt Marsh, which is slated to commence filming later this year.

Set in the fictional Welsh town of Morfa Halen, this crime thriller follows the story of former detective turned teacher, Jackie Ellis (portrayed by Kelly Reilly). After a storm, Jackie finds herself devastated by the discovery of the body of her eight-year-old student, Cefin, who seemingly drowned. The incident sends shockwaves throughout the town, which is still reeling from the unsolved disappearance of Jackie’s niece, Nessa, three years prior.

“Cefin’s death summons Jackie’s former partner, Detective Eric Bull, back to Morfa Halen to lead the investigation into a community he failed once before,” hints the official synopsis. “Jackie and Bull, convinced the cases are connected, must reconcile and hurry to uncover long-buried secrets within Morfa before the storm wipes out all the crucial evidence.”

While details about the cast are still emerging, Claire Oakley, known for her work on the 2019 film Makeup and the 2023 heist series Culprits, is the lead writer, director, and showrunner for the series.

Speaking about the project, Claire shared, “Under Salt Marsh is a crime thriller set in a community deeply connected to its environment, interwoven with the heartache, fears, dreams, and secrets of its people.”

Claire continued, “At the heart of it all is Jackie, a character who embodies the wildness of the place we’re depicting. She’s free-spirited, compassionate, and determined, with a steely resolve that makes her truly of the land. We’re absolutely thrilled to have Kelly Reilly bringing Jackie to life.”

This new project marks one of Kelly’s first significant roles since wrapping Yellowstone. Back in June, the acclaimed actress discussed her hopes for her character Beth Dutton in the final season of the show. Speaking with TV Line, Kelly, now 47, shared her dream for Beth to have a happy ending.

“I mean, I know the ending of the show, which I’ve known for six years,” she revealed. “We’ve all known what the ending would be. We’re going to film that this summer.”

When asked about her hope for Beth’s future, Kelly added, “Peace, I think. As possible as it is for any of us. Peace requires some digging and some surrender and letting go of old pains and hurts.”