Y: Marshals arrives as the newest expansion of the Yellowstone universe. The teaser released by CBS runs for only eleven seconds but already places Kayce Dutton in the spotlight. Played once again by Luke Grimes, the character states that he needs to make a change, a line that sets the tone of the preview. It is brief yet enough to confirm that the series will move in a different direction from the original drama.
The concept brings together two sides of Kayce’s life, his background as a Navy SEAL and his experience as a Montana cowboy. That combination leads him into the U.S. Marshals, opening space for a storyline centered on law enforcement and the violence in the region. Although familiar faces return, Monica Dutton seems absent from the teaser.
Returning characters in Y: Marshals
Alongside Grimes, three familiar names from Yellowstone are confirmed. Brecken Merrill is back as Tate Dutton, Kayce’s son. Mo Brings Plenty returns as well, and Gil Birmingham reprises his role as Thomas Rainwater. These cast members establish a clear link with the original show and set continuity after the events of the main series.
Their presence shows that Y: Marshals is not disconnected from the roots of Yellowstone. Even with the introduction of new faces, the inclusion of Tate, Mo, and Rainwater guarantees a visible connection with the earlier narrative.

The absence of Monica Dutton
Among the names announced so far, one character is missing. Kelsey Asbille, who played Monica Dutton, does not appear in the teaser or in the official cast list. The absence is notable because Monica was an important part of Kayce’s story in Yellowstone, especially within the family dynamic alongside Tate.
Collider points out that Yellowstone at times struggled with Monica’s development, but she remained vital to the family unit. The lack of information about her role in Y: Marshals creates uncertainty and raises questions about how the new series will handle continuity.
Possible explanations raised
Collider presents several possibilities for this situation. One is narrative, with the chance that the series may remove Monica from the main storyline early on. That idea connects with the teaser’s focus on Kayce seeking change, which could be linked to events in his personal life.
Another possibility is contractual. The report notes that announcements for returning cast members such as Gil Birmingham took time, suggesting that negotiations with Kelsey Asbille could still be ongoing. If so, her absence from the initial promotion would not necessarily mean that she will not appear.
Collider also considers the option of a reduced role. Monica could return in a recurring or guest capacity rather than as a main cast member. This would allow the character to remain part of the story while not being central to the ensemble.

Focus on Kayce in Y: Marshals
Whatever the outcome for Monica, the material released makes clear that Kayce is the central figure. He carries the transition from Yellowstone into Y: Marshals, moving away from the ranch and stepping into the duties of a Marshal. This shift defines the beginning of a new chapter that is tied to the past but situated in a different environment.
The decision to portray Kayce in this role follows a path of continuity for the character while also marking a form of renewal. The aim is not to replicate the original format but to reposition the story with a different emphasis.
What is confirmed until release
CBS has lined up Y: Marshals for a mid-season 2026 debut. Until then, news will probably trickle out little by little, maybe filling in the gaps about who else is showing up. Collider even reminded that Gil Birmingham’s name took months to appear, so there is a sense that more reveals could be waiting behind the curtain.
Right now the only sure names are Luke Grimes, Brecken Merrill, Mo Brings Plenty, and Gil Birmingham. Seeing them attached keeps the thread back to Yellowstone alive and gives the spin-off a touch of the familiar while opening space for something new.

Conclusion
The teaser for Y: Marshals confirmed the presence of important characters and offered a first glimpse of Kayce Dutton’s new life. It also highlighted the absence of Monica, a central figure in Yellowstone’s family storylines. Without confirmation of Kelsey Asbille’s involvement, the question remains open.
Y: Marshals moves forward with established connections and new directions. The decision about Monica’s role will shape the way the story develops, but that answer will only arrive when the series premieres in 2026. Until then, the uncertainty keeps interest in the project high.