Is Cole Hauser Leaving 'Dutton Ranch'? What Rip Wheeler's Replacement Means For The Spin-Off Show

The latest episode of Yellowstone's hit spin-off, Dutton Ranch, has fans worried about a major cast member's future on the show. It goes without saying that Cole Hauser's 'Rip Wheeler' and Kelly Reilly's 'Beth Dutton' are the heart and soul of the show, and fans simply can't stop talking about the actors' on-screen chemistry.

So, when new characters began taking over some of Rip's responsibilities at the 10-Petal ranch, fans have been worried that Hauser may be leaving the show. Let us ease your fears and explain what has really been going on regarding Rip's alleged replacement. (Spoiler alert for the recent episodes of Dutton Ranch.)

Has Cole Hauser's 'Rip Wheeler' been replaced on Dutton Ranch?

The confusion started after the recent episodes of Dutton Ranch introduced new characters who appeared to be handling duties traditionally associated with Rip Wheeler. For years, Rip was the feared fixer, ranch hand, and right-hand man who handled the toughest jobs at the Yellowstone Ranch. But his role has evolved significantly after he and Beth relocated to Texas.

After the devastating FMD outbreak among Rip and Beth's cattle and its tragic aftermath, the couple joined hands with Dutton Ranch's rival, the Jackson estate's 10-Petal Ranch. Given Rip's strong hand, 'Beluah Jackson' (Annette Bening) appoints him as the ranch's head, who will oversee its operations. Determined to turn their life around and secure a fresh start in Texas, both Rip and Beth embrace the challenge, stepping into unfamiliar territory while trying to establish their own legacy.

With Rip becoming more of a ranch owner than an enforcer, the character may not be getting as much screen time as fans would have liked. With these recent developments, many feared the character was being phased out. However, it's not at all what's been happening here. Rather than being replaced, it's more like Rip is being "leveled up," as a fan perfectly summed it up online.

The character is essentially stepping into a position similar to what John Dutton once occupied, making key decisions, managing the ranch, and shaping its future. That naturally means less time spent settling disputes with his fists and more time leading from the front.

Who is taking over Rip's old duties at the ranch?

Dutton Ranch has divided Rip's former responsibilities among multiple characters, rather than replacing him with a single face. 'Azul', played by J.R. Villarreal, has taken on much of the traditional foreman role, serving as a dependable ranch leader. Meanwhile, 'Zachariah', portrayed by Marc Menchaca, has emerged as another key figure. Fresh out of prison, the seasoned cowboy is bringing a rugged edge to the ranch.

Then there's 'Chet' (Hart Denton), who serves as Rip's confidant and foreman on the 10-Petal Ranch. If we were to talk about a 'replacement' in the sense of duties, Chet appears to carry the most similarities to the Rip fans remember from Yellowstone. Early episodes have already showcased his aggressive and intimidating side, proving that he can use force when necessary. Azul, too, embodies Rip's loyalty and commitment to ranch life, but Chet seems to represent the tougher, more ruthless qualities that originally made Rip one of the franchise's most popular characters. Still, in a literal sense, neither character will replace Rip completely.

What lies ahead for Rip and Beth?

After 'John Dutton's' (Kevin Costner) death in Yellowstone, Beth and Rip are navigating an uncharted territory in Texas, leaving behind their old ways in Montana. Speaking about the move, Hauser previously described Texas as feeling like "going to the moon" for the couple. Hauser and Reilly told PEOPLE:

"It’s like going to the moon for these characters. They don’t know the land or the people or the environment... And they don’t know them. They don’t know who these guys are. They don’t know what they’re dealing with."

Although Rip now occupies a higher position at Beluah's ranch, longtime viewers shouldn't expect him to lose the edge that made him famous. As new threats emerge and tensions rise in Texas, there will likely still be moments requiring the ruthless instincts that defined his years at Yellowstone.

For now, however, Dutton Ranch has no plans to say goodbye to the iconic 'Rip Wheeler'. New episodes of the show air every Friday, dropping on Paramount+ at 3:00 AM (ET).

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Pic Credit: Emerson Miller/Paramount+

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