Cole Hauser Says 106-Degree Texas Heat Made It Tough to Keep Weight on While Filming “Dutton Ranch” (Exclusive)

**Cole Hauser Navigates Texas Temperatures in New Yellowstone Spinoff**

Actor Cole Hauser, renowned for his role as Rip Wheeler in the hit series Yellowstone, recently opened up about the challenges of filming the new spinoff, Dutton Ranch, set to drop every Friday on Paramount+. The production has moved to Rio Paloma, Texas, a significant shift from the familiar landscapes of Montana where Yellowstone was filmed for six years.

In a candid discussion with PEOPLE, Hauser shared the difficulties he encountered while acclimatising to Texas’s sweltering climate. “I was trying to keep weight on,” the 51-year-old star explained. This is particularly important for his character, as he typically gains around 25 pounds to portray Rip authentically. However, the soaring Texas heat made this quite a struggle for the actor. “I was sweating it out,” he remarked at the Dutton Ranch premiere in New York City, highlighting the extreme conditions during the early filming days.

Filming commenced under grueling circumstances, with temperatures reaching an astonishing 106 degrees during the first week. Christina Alexandra Voros, the director of Dutton Ranch, confirmed this scorching reality at the premiere, further elaborating on the unpredictable weather the cast and crew faced. “We finished the show in March and faced a shutdown for four days due to an ice storm. We experienced every weather condition imaginable during filming,” she recounted. Despite the challenges, Voros praised the unwavering spirit of her cast and crew, noting their resilience in overcoming the physical trials of the shoot.

The transition from Montana to Texas poses more than just climate challenges for Hauser and his on-screen partner, Kelly Reilly, who portrays Beth Dutton. In Dutton Ranch, the couple finds themselves in a land that is foreign to them, emboldening their characters to navigate new experiences in Rio Paloma. “It’s like going to the moon for these characters,” Hauser described. Rip and Beth face not just unfamiliar territory but also a community that is unaware of who they truly are after leaving their formidable status behind in Montana.

The locals of Rio Paloma are equally bewildered by the arrival of the Duttons. “They don’t know who these guys are. They don’t know what they’re dealing with,” Reilly explained, highlighting the role reversal faced by the characters as they transition from ‘top dogs’ in Montana to outsiders in Texas. This new dynamic serves as fertile ground for character development and storytelling.

Interestingly, both Hauser and Reilly took on the role of executive producers for Dutton Ranch, a departure from their previous experiences on Yellowstone. Hauser acknowledged that this brought a new level of responsibility, which he and Reilly embraced wholeheartedly. “We put a lot of work into the continuation of the show,” Hauser said. He praised the collaborative efforts with Voros and showrunner Chad Feehan, underscoring the commitment they all shared towards creating quality content for fans.

As they navigate these new challenges, both the settings and the characters offer fresh narratives and experiences. The ongoing evolution of the Duttons showcases their resilience and adaptability, themes that resonate deeply with audiences.

Each episode is set to further explore the dynamics between the characters and their new environment, adding layers to the established saga of the Dutton family. With the series premiere just around the corner, fans can look forward to an enriching continuation of the beloved Yellowstone storyline.

Dutton Ranch promises to be a compelling addition to the franchise, and with new episodes dropping weekly on Paramount+, viewers are sure to be captivated by the transformations, both on-screen and behind the scenes. As Hauser aptly put it, they are indeed poised to take on an adventure unlike any other.