AceShowbiz - When Arielle Kebbel learned about a new character casting for CBS’ "Yellowstone" spin-off, Marshals, she knew it was a perfect fit. The role was described as “Martha Stewart in cowboy boots,” and Kebbel’s immediate thought was, “I know Martha, she’s my neighbor!” The show, premiering Sunday at 8/7c, stars Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton, now a U.S. Marshal in Montana, with Kebbel playing Belle, a sharp and no-nonsense member of Kayce’s team.

Kebbel’s connection to Martha Stewart began when she moved to a horse-friendly community in Upstate New York during the COVID-19 pandemic, not realizing that Stewart lived nearby. “Martha is a rock star, as we all know, but it’s also really beautiful to see how involved in the community she is,” Kebbel shared with TVLine. “She shows up all the time, is always doing stuff at her farm in support of the community, and she has some of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen.”

Having posed for a photo with Stewart and one of her horses at an event years earlier, Kebbel sent that picture to her manager as soon as she received the character description for Belle. “My manager was like, ‘Honestly, if you don’t get this role, I’m not sure I can ever talk to you again,’” Kebbel recalled with a laugh.

Arielle Kebbel’s role on Marshals also marks a reunion with Luke Grimes. The two previously worked together in the third installment of the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' film series in 2018. “When we were doing ‘Fifty Shades Freed,’ and I was being skanky Gia with her red nails, who knew we would be brought back together on this show?” Kebbel said. “And let me tell you something, what an evolution from Gia to Belle.”

Both Belle and Kayce Dutton share complex family backgrounds that shape their characters. Kebbel explains that their shared history creates a deep understanding between them, often requiring fewer words. “Because they have this relatable backstory, you actually don’t need a lot of words. They just get it. They’ve both lived it. And especially when you’re protecting family secrets, it’s always better to say less,” she said. As the season progresses, more layers of Belle’s character and her similarities to Kayce will be revealed.

Arielle Kebbel began her TV career with roles in series like "Gilmore Girls" and "The Vampire Diaries," later transitioning to more action-oriented shows such as "9-1-1" and "Rescue: HI-Surf." However, this new role on Marshals was different. “This was actually the first job in my life where I got texts from friends that would say, ‘You manifested this,’” Kebbel told TVLine. “That’s such a powerful thing to read, because I have been envisioning what it would feel like and what it would be like to be a part of this world and how much my soul would love it. I’ve imagined what it would feel like to combine these things that I love – horses and acting.”

Reflecting on her career path, Kebbel sees her previous roles as preparation for this moment. “Now that I’m here, I can look back and go, ‘Oh my gosh. ‘Rescue: HI-Surf,’ ‘9-1-1,’ ‘Lincoln Rhyme,’ they were all preparing me for this. I just didn’t know it.’” She emphasized the importance of recognizing life’s stepping stones and maintaining gratitude. “When a role like this happens, it’s so important for me to just go back to gratitude and not take anything for granted. These are magic moments, and what makes them magic is that they don’t happen all the time.”

Marshals will debut on CBS on Sunday, March 1, at 8/7c. Fans can look forward to a blend of western drama and complex character relationships, anchored by Arielle Kebbel and Luke Grimes. As the season unfolds, audiences will discover the depths of Belle’s character and her dynamic with Kayce Dutton, making it a compelling addition to the "Yellowstone" universe.