Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” universe is growing, but one major character is missing from the upcoming CBS spin-off “Marshals.” As the March 1 premiere approaches, viewers have noticed that Kelsey Asbille, who played Monica Dutton on “Yellowstone,” is not listed in the official synopsis, included on the cast list, or shown in the newly released trailer.
“Yellowstone” wrapped in December 2024 after season 5, leaving several Dutton family members alive and set up for new chapters. Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler will continue their story in “Dutton Ranch,” and Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) returns in “Marshals.” But so far, there has been no confirmation—or denial— about whether Monica will appear in the new series.
‘Marshals’ Synopsis Details Kayce Dutton’s New Role
CBS released the official synopsis for “Marshals,” outlining Kayce’s next chapter after leaving the Yellowstone Ranch behind.
“With the Yellowstone Ranch behind him, Kayce joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana,” the synopsis states. “Kayce and his teammates — Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green), Belle Skinner (Arielle Kebbel), Andrea Cruz (Ash Santos) and Miles Kittle (Tatanka Means) — must balance the high psychological cost of serving as the last line of defense in the region’s war on violence with their duty to their families, which for Kayce includes his son Tate (Brecken Merrill) and his confidantes Mo (Mo Brings Plenty) and Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) from the Broken Rock reservation.”
The description confirms that Tate, Mo, and Rainwater remain active parts of Kayce’s life. Monica, however, is not mentioned alongside Kayce’s family or confidantes.
Before “Yellowstone” concluded, Kayce sold the family land to Rainwater for $1.25 an acre, totaling $1.1 million, returning the Yellowstone and Paradise Valley to the Broken Rock People. Kayce, Monica, and Tate then moved to East Camp and appeared settled following the Dutton family drama and John Dutton’s unexpected death.
Given that ending, many viewers expected “Marshals” to pick up with Kayce and his family in a stable place.
‘Marshals’ Trailer and Premiere Appearance Spark More Questions About Monica Dutton
Earlier this week, CBS released a trailer for “Marshals” that further fueled speculation. Monica does not appear in the footage. One scene shows Kayce and Tate staring at a bed as a body lies beneath a white sheet. An at-home caregiver covers the body, and several pill bottles sit on a bedside table.
As the scene plays, Kayce says in a voiceover, “The only thing I ever wanted was taken from me.”
In another moment, Kayce asks Pete Calvin if he is performing a “wellness check,” suggesting emotional strain. A separate scene shows Kayce kneeling at what appears to be a headstone. He later says that “most of” his family is gone.
CBS has not confirmed the identity of the deceased character shown in the trailer.
Additional attention focused on Asbille’s absence from the Los Angeles premiere of “Marshals,” held at the Autry Museum of the American West. Grimes, who stars as Kayce, attended the event, as did Brecken Merrill, who portrayed Tate on “Yellowstone.” Asbille was not seen at the premiere.
“Marshals” premieres on CBS Sunday, March 1. The network has not publicly addressed Monica’s status in the spin-off.
