Cole Hauser Revealed He Was Originally Considered for a Different Yellowstone Role

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Actor Cole Hauser, renowned for his role as beloved cowboy Rip Wheeler in all five seasons of the popular Paramount Network show “Yellowstone,” admitted he was first offered a different character within the series. As “Yellowstone” wraps up in 2024, fans eagerly anticipate future spin-offs from the Taylor Sheridan-created Western universe. The recent conclusion of “1923” marked a significant milestone in the Dutton family’s history, while “The Madison” is one of the upcoming spin-offs slated for 2026 release. Moreover, another series centered around Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton is also in development.

Discussing with THR, Cole Hauser opened up about his experience on Yellowstone. He shared that the series was initially pitched to him by co-creator John Linson, who is also known for Sons of Anarchy and Yellowstone. Initially, Linson and Sheridan were contemplating Hauser for one of the roles as John Dutton’s sons – either Kayce, Jamie, or Lee Dutton. However, Hauser was captivated by the character Rip Wheeler after reading the pilot script, and subsequently had a conversation with Taylor Sheridan. This conversation led to a broader development of the character, ultimately resulting in a more significant role for him. Here’s his exact quote:

“It came through John Linson, who I worked with on Sons of Anarchy. They were looking at me to play one of the Dutton boys—Kayce, Jamie, or Lee. But I read the pilot and was intrigued by Rip Wheeler. So I called Taylor Sheridan and we started talking about it. And then we expanded on the character to make him more prominent.

John Linson has been my friend for quite some time, even before I crossed paths with Taylor Sheridan. Our friendship dates back to when I was 17 years old, and I met him through one of my friends. Later on, he approached me about Yellowstone, suggesting I take a look at various roles and share my thoughts. At first, the plan was for me to portray one of John Dutton’s children. When I read the pilot script, I found a character named Rip who only had a few scenes, but I was instantly captivated by him. After speaking with Taylor on the phone for two hours, I became more involved in his writing process and the development of the character, incorporating some of my own ideas as well. Taylor is an exceptional American writer, and it was truly a pleasure to collaborate with him.

What Cole Hauser’s Yellowstone Revelation Means

Yellowstone Could Have Turned Out Very Different

It’s clear that the characters from Yellowstone, whether Kayce, Jamie, or Rip, have become deeply etched in viewers’ minds following numerous episodes. It’s hard to envision Cole Hauser playing any other role, but it appears they may have considered him for the part of Kayce initially. He could have been a good fit for Lee Dutton, but Lee had a significantly reduced role, passing away at the end of the pilot. Given his prominence in the series, it seems unlikely that they would only utilize Cole Hauser for the first two episodes.

It’s important to note that his role led to alterations in the characters, but whether this is mere speculation isn’t clear. One of Taylor Sheridan’s notable skills is understanding his actors and crafting roles that highlight their strengths, potentially making Yellowstone a different series altogether if Cole Hauser had played Kayce or Lee.

Our Take On Cole Hauser’s Yellowstone Casting Process

Cole Hauser Helped To Develop An Iconic Character

There’s no denying that Taylor Sheridan has a knack for crafting unforgettable characters, whether they are the main protagonist or a supporting role. The show Yellowstone is a testament to this, brimming with memorable figures. Among these, Rip Wheeler stands out as perhaps the finest. Over time, he’s won the hearts of viewers not just because of Cole Hauser’s outstanding portrayal, but also due to the exceptional lines he’s been given in the series. It’s hard to envision Cole Hauser playing any other character on Yellowstone.

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2025-06-04 01:42