Yellowstone's Rip Wheeler actor unexpected career move after dramatic series finale

Irish Daily Star

26-04-2025

Yellowstone's Cole Hauser appears to have taken a significant career detour following recent behind-the-scenes drama.
The hit series, created by Taylor Sheridan, wrapped up its fifth season last year with a dramatic finale. However, the narrative within this universe is far from over, with four spin-off shows either in the works or confirmed, and even more expected.
Fans are keen to track the next ventures of the show's stars, including upcoming movies or TV shows featuring actors who played roles in the Dutton family.
Kelly Reilly, known for her role as Beth Dutton, is set to appear in an upcoming crime drama. The London-born actress will play a former detective turned teacher living in a fictional Welsh town rocked by the death of a young boy. The show is titled Under Salt Marsh, reports
the Mirror US
.
The actor has been busy away from set
(Image: PARAMOUNT)
On the other hand, Hauser, who portrayed fan-favourite Rip Wheeler, seems to be taking a different path post-Yellowstone. His recent social media activity suggests he's taking a break to travel the globe and soak up new experiences before returning to the screen.
A recent Instagram post indicates he's been spending time in New Zealand. However, it doesn't seem to be for filming purposes as his IMDB page lists no upcoming projects in production involving him.
Last week, a post was shared with a caption that expressed gratitude: "Thank you New Zealand! Time to cruise that way. The people and places I've seen on this adventure will never be forgotten."
Previously, Hauser had posted a photo from Africa, commenting: "So long Botswana! What a magical place and people." He also made sure to tag Free Rein Coffee, a business venture he's involved in, hinting at the possibility of a work-related visit.
Hauser is rumored to be gearing up for his next acting role, potentially returning as his character from Yellowstone alongside Reilly. They are expected to headline a new series that continues where the original left off, with production reportedly starting this summer. Details are scarce, but the working title is believed to be 6666, named after the ranch central to the storyline.
In a conversation with People, the actor shared his thoughts: "I think America has spoken. They still love the show. We will see what happens over the next year or so and we'll see what's next. Hopefully, we can continue to get into people's living rooms and entertain them the way we have over the last seven years."
This news follows the off-screen controversy surrounding Kevin Costner's departure from the show, which ultimately led to its conclusion.
Fans are looking forward to his character's return
Costner expressed his frustration to Deadline about being unable to pursue his own creative projects due to contractual obligations. Initially, he had no desire to break the contract, but when the show was put on hold for over a year, leaving him unable to work on anything else, his frustration grew.
He explained to Deadline: "I had a contract to do [seasons] 5, 6 and 7. I was contracted to do that. There's nothing I could have done to get out of that, nor was I trying to just figure out how, when we started. When we finished, I wanted to do Horizon.
"The whole situation arose because they shut down one whole season, didn't inform anyone, and I was left without work for 14 months. Their silence bothered me in terms of professional conduct. Why didn't they stand up for me? I went and sold this thing for them. I was only going to do one season. I ended up doing three. I fulfilled three. So, I went from one to three, then I did a fourth one for them, and they wanted to do three more. So, I signed the contract to do that. They imploded."
Yellowstone is streaming on Peacock.