Cole Hauser says filming “Dutton Ranch” without Taylor Sheridan brought new challenges

Cole Hauser says the first season of Dutton Ranch required the cast and crew to adapt after creator Taylor Sheridan stepped back from day-to-day creative duties.

Speaking to FilmInside, Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, said the production felt different because Sheridan served as an executive producer rather than working in the writers' room.

“Everything had changed,” Hauser said, adding that the show's sense of continuity came mainly from co-stars Kelly Reilly and Finn Little, along with director Christina Alexandra Voros.

He acknowledged the transition was difficult but said he welcomed the challenge.

“We had to figure out on our feet how to really perform and tell a story,” Hauser said. “So I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I look forward to doing it again.”

Season 2 is expected to begin production in January.

Hauser’s comments come days after co-star Ed Harris publicly criticized his role in the series. Harris told Variety he felt “underused” and said he had been led to believe his character, Everett McKinney, would be one of the show's four main leads. He also expressed frustration that a singing scene featuring his character was cut. Despite his remarks, Harris is reportedly expected to return for the second season.

Sheridan created Yellowstone in 2018. The Paramount series ran for five seasons before the launch of the Dutton Ranch spinoff, which premiered in May.