A New Chapter for the Duttons
When the new spinoff of Dutton Ranch began filming in Texas last summer, one of the cast members almost missed the opportunity. Finn Little, who plays Carter, Beth and Rip’s adoptive son, shared his experience with People, revealing that he found out about his casting just days before filming started on the latest installment of the Yellowstone franchise. Fans had been eagerly waiting for nearly two years, and Little’s surprise announcement was a whirlwind.
“I didn’t hear anything about it until like a week before I flew out [to film],” Little said. “Yeah, it was just like, ‘Hey, it’s happening, hope you’re ready.’ I was like, ‘Oh, all right. Let’s go.’”
Despite the tight schedule, this was a positive development for the 19-year-old Australian actor. He first joined the original Yellowstone series when he was 14, playing Carter, a character who has grown from a woebegone, orphaned teenager to a strong young man.
“Yellowstone has been a huge part of my life. It’s awesome,” he added.
After the original Yellowstone series ended in 2024, largely due to creative and scheduling differences between lead star Kevin Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan, the focus shifted to creating another show centered around Beth and Rip, played by Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser respectively.
Little expressed his excitement about continuing to play Carter, who has evolved significantly over the years.
“I wanted to see more from Carter. I wanted to keep playing the character, for sure,” he told the outlet.
The New Setting
Dutton Ranch follows Beth and Rip as they move to Texas after a fire destroys their Montana ranch. They purchase a 5,000-acre spread with 175 Black Angus and set out to build a new life with Carter.
“A lot has changed since we last saw him,” Little said of his character, who becomes entangled in a Romeo and Juliet-type situation with Oreana (Natalie Alyn Lind), the granddaughter of rival ranch owner Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening).
“I think Carter sees a lot of Beth in Oreana, that fierceness and that strong personality. I think that’s what attracts Carter,” Little revealed.
The magnetic chemistry between Beth and Rip remains strong in Dutton Ranch, which is currently streaming on Paramount+ with new episodes released every Friday.
“Beth and Rip are a staple of Yellowstone. They’re some of people’s favorite characters. So if you love Beth and Rip, you’ll love Dutton Ranch, and you’ll love all the new problems that come along with it,” Little said.
He added: “It’s never an easy life for the Duttons.”
A Rising Star
Finn Little’s first onscreen acting role was in the 2014 Australian short film The Great Champ Fernley. However, he gained international recognition by starring opposite Angelina Jolie in the 2021 film Those Who Wish Me Dead. In the movie, he played a boy who witnesses a murder and goes on the run with a smokejumper (Jolie) in the Montana wilderness.
Little also appeared with Nicolas Cage in the psychological thriller The Surfer, which premiered at Cannes in 2024. His diverse range of roles showcases his talent and dedication to his craft.
As Dutton Ranch continues to captivate audiences, Finn Little’s performance as Carter adds depth and continuity to the Yellowstone universe. With each episode, viewers get a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the Dutton family as they navigate their new life in Texas.
