Taylor Sheridan’s original Yellowstone casting decisions might have led to a very different fate for Cole Hauser, who ultimately became famous as Rip Wheeler on the hit series. Early discussions around the show reveal that Hauser was initially considered for another role, but personal conviction and creative collaboration steered him toward the character fans know today.
Cole Hauser Almost Didn’t Become Rip Wheeler
Cole Hauser, who gained recognition in films like Good Will Hunting and Dazed and Confused, sat down recently with The Hollywood Reporter to shed light on his journey to Yellowstone. As he promotes his new role with the Professional Bull Riders league, where he also tried his hand at directing, Hauser opened up about how he landed on the character of Rip.
He revealed that before meeting Taylor Sheridan, he spoke with Yellowstone co-creator John Linson, whom he had known since his teenage years. Hauser was offered the opportunity to review multiple parts in the script, with Linson suggesting he might fit one of John Dutton’s children. After reading the pilot, though, Hauser found himself drawn to Rip Wheeler, a character who only appeared briefly in those early pages.
Hauser then reached out directly to Sheridan to discuss the possibilities. Both Sheridan and Hauser engaged in a lengthy phone conversation, where Hauser expressed his passion for Rip’s character. This pivotal conversation marked the beginning of a creative and personal relationship, resulting in Rip becoming a central figure at the Dutton Ranch. The character, and Hauser’s role in shaping him, were developed in real time during writing sessions with Sheridan.
“John Linson was a friend of mine way before I met Taylor Sheridan. I’ve known him since I was 17 years old. I met him through a buddy of mine. He came to me initially [with Yellowstone] and said, ‘Take a look at these different roles and tell me what you think.’
In the beginning, it was to play one of the children of John Dutton. I read the pilot and I thought, ‘Well, this guy [Rip] only has a couple of scenes, but I love the character.’ I got on the phone with Taylor. We spoke for two hours, and that was kind of it. Then I started to work with and be around Taylor while he was writing, and he started building the character along with some of the ideas that I had. But he’s a tremendous American writer. It was a great collaboration.”
Hauser credits Sheridan’s openness and creative talent for allowing Rip to become much more prominent and nuanced than he first appeared. This collaboration, which included ideas from both Sheridan and Hauser, transformed Rip Wheeler into a beloved figure in the series’ five seasons. The distinctiveness Hauser brought to the role made it nearly impossible to picture anyone else as Rip—the loyal ranch hand whose arc became a highlight of the Yellowstone franchise created by Taylor Sheridan and guided by showrunner John Linson.
Star Power: Connections and Cowboy Roots
The Yellowstone cast has several notable connections in Hollywood. Cole Hauser is well acquainted with Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, with whom he worked in several films during the 1990s, showing his range before taking on Western drama. As the Yellowstone franchise wrapped up its fifth season in December 2024, prequel spin-offs like 1883 and 1923 had also come to an end. However, the franchise isn’t finished, with sequels like The Madison and Y: Marshals set to expand the universe Taylor Sheridan built. Hauser’s remarks indicate that Rip’s story may yet continue as the franchise evolves.
“Kelly [Reilly, Beth Dutton in the show] and I, we’re focused on [Rip and Beth’s] relationship and our love together, and what we’re going to get [them] into. I’m excited just like everybody else. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Hopefully, we’ll start seeing stuff soon.”
The enduring popularity of Yellowstone owes much to its cast, including Kevin Costner as John Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, and of course, Cole Hauser. The dynamic between Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton, played by Kelly Reilly, has been a key storyline, and Hauser’s recent comments suggest fans can look forward to more from their relationship in the upcoming sequels.
Cole Hauser’s Authentic Cowboy Experience
Hauser brings real-life experience to his portrayal of Rip, having been raised in Oregon with horses and farm animals. This background, he explains, helped him embody the role, though playing a cowboy at the level seen on Yellowstone demanded much more practice and discipline. His commitment to mastering horseback skills, or “saddle time,” involved years of effort and the continual development of new abilities.
“There are levels to riding horses. It’s one thing if you get on a horse and take a walk on the beach. But when you have to start roping and cutting and stuff, that’s called saddle time. You gotta put it in. I don’t care who you are; there’s nobody naturally good at roping. It’s repetition and putting in the work. If you do that, then you’ll be good at it. I rode horses, but there are several disciplines that you have to learn to be a great ‘horser.’ So it took a little while, and I’m still working on it! You have to go in every year and put in the work.”
Hauser’s reflection on the skills required for Western acting mirrors the authenticity that Taylor Sheridan, John Linson, and the rest of the creative team sought in Yellowstone’s storytelling. Hauser’s persistence and dedication made Rip Wheeler’s horsemanship convincing to audiences, further cementing his place in the show’s legacy.
What the Future Holds for the Yellowstone Universe
The Yellowstone franchise, under the creative direction of Taylor Sheridan, has built a reputation for layered characters, compelling drama, and authentic Western storytelling. The original Yellowstone casting decisions could have changed how fans experienced some of their favorite characters, especially Rip Wheeler, who stands out thanks to Cole Hauser’s performance and personal commitment. With sequels on the horizon and ongoing talk of continuing storylines for beloved figures like Rip and Beth, the expansion of the Yellowstone universe appears assured.
The story behind Hauser’s casting, and the creative choices made by Sheridan and Linson, demonstrates how collaboration and vision can redefine a series and its characters. As Rip’s journey continues to capture audiences, Yellowstone’s impact on the television landscape seems set to endure for years to come.
