Cole Hauser, star of the Paramount+ series "Dutton Ranch," has spoken out about the "challenges" of filming the "Yellowstone" spin-off without its creator, Taylor Sheridan, taking a primary writing role. Hauser described a shift in the production environment due to the introduction of new writers and directors.
"There were challenges. Not having Taylor there. For us to really kind of be able to work with these new writers, these new directors, these people," Hauser told FilmInside. He noted that only a few familiar faces, including co-star Kelly Reilly and director Christina Alexandra Voros, remained from the original "Yellowstone" series. "Everything had changed. The only kind of normality that we had whatsoever was Carter, Christina, you know, Kelly, and myself."
Despite the changes, Hauser expressed pride in the cast and crew's efforts. "I enjoy a challenge. It certainly was a challenge. We worked our aes off this year too," he said. "It was about putting my head down and working my a off with what I had around me. The writers that we had, the new writers that we had, that we had to figure out on our feet how to really perform and tell a story."
"Dutton Ranch" premiered on Paramount+ on May 15 and follows Beth Dutton (Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Hauser) as they leave Montana to establish a ranch in South Texas. The series also features Annette Bening, Finn Little, Juan Pablo Raba, Jai Courtney, JR Villarreal, Marc Menchaca, and Natalie Alyn Lind.
Hauser's comments follow remarks from co-star Ed Harris, who alleged he was misled about the scope of his role in the series. Harris, who plays veterinarian Everett McKinney, told Variety that he was initially led to believe he would be one of the four main characters. "Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was, and what my character was going to do – and that I was one of the four main characters. And that wasn’t really the case," Harris stated.
Harris, who is slated to return for a second season, described feeling "underused and inconsequential" during the filming of the first season. He recounted a scene where his character's song was cut from the show, which he found frustrating. "So there’s this scene in there… I’m talking to [Beth Dutton] at the bar, and [Rip Wheeler] comes in and says, 'OK, Everett, come on, it's your turn.' I walk up to the mic, and they cut it. They cut the song out. I’m going, 'F*** you, people.'"
Production reportedly explained the cut was due to the scene being "too 'up' for the dark ending of that episode." Harris indicated that at the time, this incident was "enough reason to say I am voiding my contract," though it remains unclear if he intends to leave the show. Sheridan is known for his extensive work in the "Yellowstone" universe, including the series "1883," "1923," and "Landman."