‘Dutton Ranch’ star Cole Hauser says filming had ‘challenges’ without Taylor Sheridan

DALLAS — TV star Cole Hauser said everything changed between filming “Yellowstone” and spinoff “Dutton Ranch.” Hauser is one of a few actors to appear in both shows, the second of which saw less involvement from “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan.

“There were challenges, you know? Not having Taylor there,” Hauser said in an interview with Film Inside NYC. “For us to really kind of be able to work with these new writers, these new directors, these people — everything had changed.”

“Dutton Ranch” turned out to be a hit even without Sheridan in the front seat. The premiere gained 12.9 million views within seven days of its release, making it the biggest original series launch ever for Paramount+.

Hauser, who plays rancher Rip Wheeler in the original and the spinoff, said he focused on the creative process while filming. Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Finn Little (Carter) were the only other main cast members to make the jump from “Yellowstone.”

“We had to figure out on our feet how to really perform and tell a story,” Hauser said. “I’m proud of what we accomplished and look forward to doing it again.”

Still, having new writers, directors and cast members felt like starting from scratch, he said. “It certainly was a challenge.”

Hauser isn’t the only actor to recently share his thoughts on the production of “Dutton Ranch.” Actor Ed Harris (Everett McKinney) told Variety last week that he felt “misled” about the importance of his role on the show.

Harris added that filming for “Dutton Ranch” Season 2 will start in February. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hauser’s co-star Reilly said Sheridan could be more involved in the second season.

Filming for Season 1 took place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While viewers wait for Season 2, they can stream the first season on Paramount+.

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