Annette Bening is making a notable impact in her roles as powerful, complex women in two highly anticipated 2026 series: the Paramount+ Yellowstone spinoff 'Dutton Ranch' and Apple TV's 'Lucky.' With over four decades in acting, Bening is embracing what she calls her "villain era," portraying formidable matriarchs who navigate trauma, family loyalty, and moral ambiguity.
In 'Dutton Ranch,' Bening plays Beulah Jackson, a "grizzly in Gucci" ranch owner who clashes with Beth Dutton. Bening described the dynamic between the two characters as a mix of admiration, suspicion, attraction, and jealousy. "It’s all there," Bening told DECIDER.
Her role as Priscilla Matheson in 'Lucky,' adapted from Marissa Stapley's novel, casts her as a mob boss and estranged mother-in-law to the protagonist, Lucky, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Bening found particular satisfaction in playing Priscilla, stating, "I felt very liberated by her sociopathy." She elaborated that she is drawn to characters who "really act on their worst instincts."
Bening noted that she initially played Priscilla before taking on the role of Beulah, unaware of the thematic parallels between the characters. Both Beulah and Priscilla are depicted as strong, wealthy, and layered businesswomen who carry trauma and a concealed vulnerability. Bening described her transformation into Priscilla, characterized by a sharp, high-end wardrobe, as embodying a "confident, sassy, ruthless leader determined to find her missing money."
Priscilla's entrance in 'Lucky' is memorable, as her SUV drives into an FBI agent holding Lucky at gunpoint. Bening highlighted the challenging dynamic between Priscilla and her daughter-in-law, noting that their characters were "very much at odds," which contributes to strong dramatic conflict. She also spoke about Priscilla's complicated past with Wayne Whittaker, a menacing figure higher in the crime hierarchy, suggesting that Priscilla still seeks his approval despite his intimidating nature.
Bening's performances in both series have been praised for their emotional depth and the actress's ability to portray morally complex characters. New episodes of 'Lucky' premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV.