Annette Bening Shares Surprising Insight About Her “Dutton Ranch” Character Beulah Jackson
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Season 1 of Dutton Ranch was packed with shocking moments and revelations, many of which connected back to 10 Petal matriarch Beulah Jackson (played by Annette Bening).
When the season started, viewers (and Beth and Rip) didn’t know if Beulah could be trusted. As the season progressed, we learned some secrets about her past that influence her decisions in the present.
By the end of Season 1, many fans felt confident in labeling Beulah as “evil,” or the villain of the show. But Annette Bening believes she’s more complicated than that.
During a recent conversation with Collider, Bening talked about another character she plays on the Apple TV show, Lucky. That character, Priscilla Masterson, is one she considers to be far more morally gray.
That’s when she offered some surprising insight into Beulah’s character. She believes she actually has a “moral center.”
“I think Beulah has a moral center,” Bening said. “She may be a bit off the rails, but I think she does have a moral core that’s…basically, she’s trying to do the right thing.”
Those who’ve witnessed some of the things Beulah’s done on Dutton Ranch may question this assessment. But, since the show has already been renewed for a second season, Bening may know something about Beulah’s backstory (or future story) that we don’t.
Bening’s comments to Collider echo a sentiment she previously expressed while chatting with Entertainment Tonight at the Lucky premiere in July.
“Don’t you love Beulah?” she asked. “Don’t you think she has a good heart underneath all of that? Underneath all the bling?“
She added, “I think Priscilla…I don’t think she has a lot of moral center. Like, I think Beulah does feel bad about certain things that she has to do.“
Is Annette Bening Returning For Season 2 Of Dutton Ranch?
Although a confirmed cast list for Season 2 of Dutton Ranch has not been revealed as of press time, Annette Bening is expected to return as Beulah.
Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly (Beth and Rip) have both basically confirmed their involvement as well. They’ve spoken in depth about the second season, as they both serve as executive producers on the series.
Many of the other cast members (who survived the brutal Season 1 finale) are expected to return for Season 2. That includes Natalie Alyn Lind, who plays Beulah’s fiery granddaughter, Oreana.
26-year-old Lind has been in awe of Bening on set. Speaking about her experience working with the five-time Academy Award-nominated Bening, Lind told PEOPLE:
“She’s just so cool. She’s a pro at everything she does. And if she doesn’t know how to do something, she perfects it. It’s incredible.”
Lind continued to say, “It’s hard to put into words how grateful I feel because she’s such an incredible actor, but she’s just the kindest person of all time.”
Watch some of Annette Bening’s best moments as Beulah in the Dutton Ranch recap below!
