Why Minka Kelly’s Partner Dan Reynolds Isn’t in Ransom Canyon
Minka Kelly shared insights about her boyfriend, Dan Reynolds, and why he didn’t appear in season 2 of Ransom Canyon.
“We explored ways to bring Billy Brinks back,” Kelly, 46, told People on Monday, July 27, while discussing a potential love triangle involving Josh Duhamel and Reynolds. “I suggested, ‘What if the triangle includes Billy Brinks?’”
Unfortunately, the Imagine Dragons frontman, 39, had scheduling conflicts.
“Sadly, he was not available,” Kelly noted. “He’s a bit busy.”
Reynolds made his first appearance in Ransom Canyon during season 1, caught between brothers-in-law Staten (Duhamel) and Davis (Eoin Macken). The “Radioactive” star did not interact with Kelly’s character, Quinn, who was involved in a love triangle with Staten and Davis.
Kelly confirmed Reynolds’ unexpected cameo, telling People in April 2025 that he was “such a good sport” about participating and “excited to play.”
Duhamel, 53, praised Reynolds as well, stating, “He’s incredibly talented at many things, but after one or two scenes, all those nerves just disappear.”
Romance rumors between the couple began in late 2022, following Reynolds’ separation from his wife, Aja Volkman, after ten years of marriage.
“After seven wonderful years, Aja and I’s marriage has ended,” Reynolds tweeted at the time. “Our children will always be our top priority, and we will continue to co-parent with love. I kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this transition as a family.”
An insider told Us in December 2022 that Reynolds and Kelly were enjoying their time together.
“It’s still early for Minka and Dan, but things are going well and they’re really happy,” the source shared. “After long-term relationships, adjusting to single life has been tough for both, so they’re taking their time and easing into things instead of rushing in. But so far, so good, and they’re having a lot of fun together.”
Reynolds wasn’t the only one with a surprise cameo. Duhamel’s wife, Audra Mari, also filmed a scene for the Netflix western that ultimately went unreleased.
“My wife also made a cameo on the show. Yeah, she did a scene,” Duhamel told People after all 10 episodes premiered. “She played [Eoin Macken’s character] Davis’ girlfriend who attended the party, but they cut her out! Poor thing.”
Duhamel reminisced about how Mari went through “all that hair and makeup,” only for them to “cut her out,” adding, “She watched it with me.”
Ransom Canyon is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
