“Dutton Ranch”’s Cole Hauser Says Bringing in New Showrunner for Season 2 Will Be a ‘Really Nice Next Step’ (Exclusive)

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, actor Cole Hauser, who portrays Rip Wheeler in the acclaimed ‘Yellowstone’ spinoff, ‘Dutton Ranch,’ expressed optimism about the series’ future under the new showrunner Benjamin Cavell. The renewal for a second season has injected fresh energy into the production team and the cast, especially following what has been described as a challenging first season.

Hauser, 51, shared his excitement regarding Cavell’s involvement, noting that he has found Cavell to be “a very special guy.” He indicated that fans can expect to see new dimensions to his character Rip in the upcoming season. “You’re gonna have to wait, but yes,” he teased, hinting at developments that will enhance the storytelling. This shows Hauser’s enthusiasm for ongoing character development and his confidence in the direction of the series.

Dutton Ranch has recently clinched a spot as the largest original launch in Paramount+ history, attracting an impressive 12.9 million viewers worldwide in its debut week. This success was celebrated by the announcement of a second season, which was confirmed just weeks ago. The transition in creative leadership will see Cavell take on the role of both showrunner and executive producer, stepping in after Chad Feehan’s departure prior to the series premiere. Cavell has an impressive resume, having previously created ‘SEAL Team’ and contributed to the writing of popular series such as ‘Homeland.’

In a recent chat regarding the change of showrunners, Hauser and his co-star Kelly Reilly acknowledged the set of challenges that come with such transitions in the industry. “Showrunners change all the time. This business is about adapting,” Hauser remarked, showing professionalism in the face of change. Reilly added her praises for Feehan, noting that although the production experience was challenging, it ultimately led to a fulfilling outcome.

Reflecting on the mixed yet positive reviews for the first season, Hauser expressed satisfaction that their hard work paid off. “I knew a little bit before everybody else,” he revealed, referring to the efforts put in by the entire cast and crew, including Reilly and director Christina Voros. The extraordinary reception from both critics and audiences gave them a boost, as Hauser noted, “It was nice to see the critics,” adding that this was not always the case with previous projects.

The filming process for season one was long and arduous, spanning a demanding nine months. Hauser shared that the experience took a toll on the cast and crew, who faced a variety of weather extremes. “We went through a lot of weather issues… it was just nuts,” he commented, highlighting the exhausting conditions they endured, from heatwaves to freezing temperatures and ice storms. Nevertheless, the positive feedback associated with the show made all the hard work worthwhile for the team.

Despite the intensity of the production, Hauser’s enthusiasm for the project continues unabated. He expressed a desire to maintain the high standards of quality in storytelling for Dutton Ranch, saying, “I can’t wait to continue to make Dutton Ranch as good as it can be.” His commitment to the series reflects a deep appreciation for his craft as an actor.

As the production for season two is scheduled to commence in early 2027, Hauser is looking to take some time for himself before diving back into work. “Taking a breather,” he noted, signalling his intent to recharge after an exhausting filming schedule. When at home, he enjoys a peaceful morning routine spent by the ocean. “Waking up… zoning out, staring at the water, watching the birds wake up,” he described, emphasising the importance of balancing work and personal life.

With the anticipation building for Dutton Ranch’s second season, fans can look forward to a continued exploration of Rip Wheeler’s enigmatic character and the intricate dynamics of life on the ranch. As the new chapter unfolds under Benjamin Cavell’s leadership, both the cast and the audience are eager to see what lies ahead for this captivating series.