Tensions are reportedly running high behind the scenes of the highly anticipated "Yellowstone" sequel, "Dutton Ranch," with a growing rift between executive producer Taylor Sheridan and star Cole Hauser.
Sources close to the production suggest the pair nearly came to blows, a dramatic escalation that echoes a physical altercation they reportedly had early in their careers. The friction between the "California vs. Texas" personalities has been exacerbated by Hauser's public comments about Sheridan's perceived absence from the set and his frustrations with filming in North Texas.
"Cole has had beef with Taylor for a while," a source told the Daily Mail. "Taylor can be a harsh Texas guy. He is super straightforward and thinks fast, so he can come off as brutal, but he is just on top of his game, and he is brilliant. Cole is more casual, more surfer dude."
Past Conflicts and Legal Disputes
The bad blood between Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, and Sheridan, the creator of the "Yellowstone" franchise, dates back before their collaboration on the original series. In 2022, Hauser told Men's Journal that he and Sheridan had a physical fight the second time they met, though they eventually reconciled. Reports now indicate another clash has occurred since.
"When they were filming Yellowstone, they almost got into a fist fight," a source revealed. "They butted heads big time because they are so different. But then they were OK in the end, the dust-up was short-lived."
Adding to the complicated relationship, Sheridan sued Hauser in late 2023 over a trademark dispute concerning their competing cowboy-themed coffee brands. Sheridan's Bosque Ranch coffee and Hauser's Free Rein brand allegedly featured similar branding. The lawsuit cited trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. The two parties reached a private settlement in 2024, but underlying awkwardness persists.
"It's classic California versus Texas. Cole is more like a relaxed dude, and Taylor is more like 'do your work and be grateful.' It's oil and water," the source added.
On-Set Grievances
Hauser reportedly fueled the tension by expressing frustration over Sheridan's limited involvement during the first season of "Dutton Ranch." "It certainly was a challenge. It was about putting my head down and working my a** off with what I had around me," Hauser told Page Six in July. These comments were reportedly not well-received by Sheridan.
"Whether Cole knew it or not, he was sounding an alarm that told the world that there were problems on Dutton Ranch, and that was not appreciated," a source stated.
In response to production challenges, Sheridan has made changes, replacing creator and showrunner Chad Feehan with Benjamin Cavell. Sheridan is expected to be more involved in the writer's room for the second season, which is currently in the script phase.
Hauser also voiced complaints about the North Texas filming locations, citing extreme heat in areas like Weatherford and Ferris, which he claimed made it difficult to maintain his character's physique. "I was trying to keep weight on," Hauser told People in June. "I mean, I usually put on about 25 pounds [to play Rip], but it was hard to keep it on. I was sweating it out."
Insiders confirmed the challenging conditions, noting that temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, leading to heatstroke and the need for frequent breaks and ice packs. The area is also known to be populated by rattlesnakes, posing a significant safety risk.
Industry Speculation and Power Dynamics
Some in Hollywood speculate that Sheridan's demanding approach to actors stems from lingering frustrations over his own acting career, with one industry source suggesting he may be envious of Hauser's natural on-camera ease. "No actor really gets along with Taylor that well except for Billy Bob Thornton, but they put up with him because his shows are so good," the source said.
Another Hollywood source speculated that Sheridan's past struggles in acting might have influenced his turn to writing and directing. "Taylor might sometimes be hard on actors because when he first came to Hollywood he tried to act and didn't get very far. That was stressful for him, it was a big bummer," the source said.
Despite potential jealousy, Hauser reportedly maintains a high level of respect for Sheridan, acknowledging his gratitude for the career-defining roles. "Cole has a lot of respect for Taylor, so he shuts up. He is extremely grateful that Taylor made him a star with Yellowstone and he now has a job with Dutton Ranch. He knows he owes Taylor a lot," a Hollywood source stated. Hauser's previous roles included a small part in 1997's "Good Will Hunting" and roles in lesser-known films.
"Taylor does not like putting up with actor cp. He wants actors to stay in line. No diva s*, no changes to the script. He lets Billy Bob ad lib, but no one else," the source added.
Sheridan has demonstrated a willingness to remove major talent from his shows, notably killing off Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton, from "Yellowstone" due to disputes over writing and Costner's commitment to his own film project, "Horizon."
"Dutton Ranch" Season Two Prospects
Season two of "Dutton Ranch" is currently in the writing process, with principal photography anticipated in early next year. Plot details suggest a focus on Beth and Rip attempting to retrieve their son Carter from a cartel, alongside a storyline involving Oreana's pregnancy.
Representatives for both Sheridan and Hauser have been contacted for comment by the Daily Mail.