Cole Hauser on Dutton Ranch challenges without Sheridan
Cole Hauser says making Paramount+ spin-off Dutton Ranch without Taylor Sheridan brought real challenges, with new writers and directors and “everything” changed on set. The Rip Wheeler star says the cast worked hard, grew closer, and he is proud of Season 1.
Key Takeaways
- Cole Hauser told Film Inside NYC that filming Dutton Ranch without creator Taylor Sheridan meant adjusting to new writers and directors after “everything had changed.”
- He said the “only normality” on set was returning with Kelly Reilly, Finn Little, and director Christina Alexandra Voros.
- Season 1 showrunner Chad Feehan exited after the season; SEAL Team creator Benjamin Cavell is set as Season 2 showrunner.
- Hauser said he is proud of what the cast accomplished and looks forward to returning.
What did Cole Hauser say about making Dutton Ranch without Taylor Sheridan?
In celebrity breaking news circling the Yellowstone universe, Hauser addressed the spin-off’s rocky creative handoff. Speaking to Film Inside NYC, as reported by Deadline, he explained that Sheridan’s absence reshaped the process.
“There were challenges, you know?” Hauser said. “Not having Taylor [Sheridan] there, for us to really kind of be able to work with these new writers, these new directors, these people—everything had changed.”
He added that he enjoys a challenge and that they “worked our asses off this year,” while the outside noise and “weight of the show” were not front of mind while they were filming.
Who kept continuity on the Dutton Ranch set?
Hauser said the cast’s familiar faces helped steady Season 1. The “only normality that we had whatsoever on set,” he noted, was working again with Yellowstone co-stars Kelly Reilly and Finn Little, plus director Christina Alexandra Voros.
That continuity mattered as the Paramount+ series moved forward without Sheridan running the room. Deadline also reported that the new environment was an adjustment, but that the experience brought the cast closer together.
“It was about putting my head down and working my ass off with what I had around me,” Hauser said, praising the need to “figure out on our feet how to really perform and tell a story.” He said he is proud of the result and looks forward to doing it again.
Why does the showrunner change matter for Season 2?
Behind the scenes, Season 1 creator, executive producer, and director Chad Feehan departed after completing the first season. Sources told Deadline he delivered as a writer but faced challenges handling the high-profile cast—a core showrunner duty.
Last month, SEAL Team creator Benjamin Cavell was tapped to take over as showrunner for Season 2. The Independent and Vulture also noted wider friction around the production, including Ed Harris’s complaints that his veterinarian role felt smaller than promised—though Harris is expected back with more to do.
Vulture described Season 1 as a major Paramount+ ratings success that still looked chaotic from the cast’s comments. For Hauser, the takeaway was simpler: put the head down, tell the story, and return for another round.