Rip Wheeler, one character in particular, played to perfection by the gifted Cole Hauser, has won over fans all over the world in the suspenseful world of Paramount Network’s hit series Yellowstone. Along with the mysterious Dutton family, he has become one of the most adored characters on the show because of his intensity, loyalty, and mystique.
But many might be surprised to learn that Hauser was not initially intended for the iconic role of Rip. As a matter of fact, the show’s creators, Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, asked him to consider another role in their neo-Western drama TV show. Why? They felt Rip was a dead end. Hauser’s representation, in Linson’s opinion, encouraged the actor to pursue one of John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) sons. But the former held different views.
Cole Hauser Was Initially Asked To Fill Another Yellowstone Role
As the right-hand man to John Dutton on Yellowstone, Cole Hauser, 48, played a character who alternated between being tough and sensitive. He acted as a no-nonsense figure among the ranch workers and anyone unlucky enough to be caught trespassing on the property. But he also contributed to a major role in one of the most poignant romantic scenes of the show, involving Dutton’s daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly).
Hauser did a splendid job managing both, but if he had followed his management team’s advice, he might have been taking on other storylines.
The Higher Learning actor said in an interview for the Ryen Russillo Podcast that he received the Yellowstone script from his friend John Linson, who is also an executive co-producer and co-creator of the show. Hauser claimed that his representation had inspired Linson to suggest the actor take up the role of one of John Dutton’s sons. Even so, Hauser thought otherwise, as he explained:
“I just didn’t see it. The one character that jumped off the page was Rip, and [his management team] were like, ‘What are you doing? It’s two scenes in a pilot.’”
Hauser, however, was certain about playing Rip and remained firm:
“I said, ‘No, this character’s gonna have something really good. I can just feel it.’”
Cole Hauser Was Concerned About Losing Yellowstone Audience During Extended Break
Cole Hauser was concerned that audiences would become disinterested in Yellowstone before its eagerly awaited season five finale due to the writers’ strike, the actors’ strike, and the show’s seemingly endless break. Thankfully, it turns out that those worries were unfounded.
The actor recently spoke with Esquire about his new business, Free Rein Coffee, and how the unwavering support of Yellowstone fans has helped him get through the challenging recent months:
“I was worried that we might lose our audience before season five, but it was quite the opposite.”
The actor further told the outlet:
“The fanbase truly loves not just my character, but everyone. It’s pretty special to know that people care that much. That’s certainly what you do it for. Now, going on this press tour, it really means a lot that they love this coffee, too. It’s an honor.”
Makers officially announced in May that the popular television series Yellowstone would end with the second half of season five, capping months of rumors and wild speculation. A year or so later, the second half of the fifth and final season was supposed to debut, but the 2023 Writers Guild of America strike and creative conflicts within the show’s leadership have cast doubt on that return. The first part of season five debuted on November 13, 2022.