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Yellowstone Role Twist: Hauser's First Offer
30 Aug
Summary
- Cole Hauser was initially offered a Dutton child role.
- Hauser preferred playing Rip Wheeler after reading the pilot.
- His affinity for Rip led to character arc development.

Actor Cole Hauser's iconic portrayal of Rip Wheeler on the hit series "Yellowstone" almost didn't happen. Initially, series co-creator John Linson offered Hauser a role as one of John Dutton's children. Hauser reviewed the available characters and found himself drawn to Rip Wheeler, despite the character having a limited number of scenes in the pilot episode.
After reading the script, Hauser connected with the character of Rip. He discussed his interest with another series creator, Taylor Sheridan. This conversation led to Sheridan further developing Rip's storyline, incorporating some of Hauser's ideas as the show progressed. Hauser described his collaboration with Sheridan as a "great collaboration" with a "tremendous American writer."