Now it’s confirmed that Kevin Costner’s John Dutton is exiting Yellowstone, maybe its time for Cole Hauser’s Rip to take over the ranch.
Now it’s confirmed that Kevin Costner is leaving Yellowstone, Cole Hauser’s Rip should take over the ranch. Rip has had a curious journey on Yellowstone, where he started season 1 as the imposing, ruthless ranch hand of Costner’s John Dutton, and was seen committing various murders in the name of his surrogate father. However, his oddly tender romance with Beth (Kelly Reilly) made him an audience favorite, and he’s essentially become a gruff but lovable father figure on the series.
This is also thanks to Hauser’s performance, which gave multiple layers to Rip; even when he was throwing poisonous snakes at people. It’s unknown when part 2 of Yellowstone season 5 will return, and reports that Costner is leaving the show have finally been confirmed after months of rumors. Time will tell where the show goes after Dutton’s exit, but if any main character must take over the running of the Yellowstone, most viewers would select Rip Wheeler himself.