Taylor Sheridan is reportedly “pissed” about Ed Harris’ scathing comments on his role in the Dutton Ranch spinoff, but a source close to the situation says the showrunner is still giving the veteran actor more screen time — because a promise is a promise.

The drama comes after a scathing Variety interview in which Harris, who plays veterinarian Everett McKinney on the Paramount+ western series, openly admitted he was “really pissed off” and frustrated with his limited role. The 75-year-old actor claimed he was misled about his part in Season 1 and that his concerns were “shrugging off” when he raised them.

“I felt a little bit misled,” Harris told Variety. “Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was and what my character was going to do — and that I was one of the four main characters. And that wasn’t really the case.”

He added that a promised scene was cut, calling it “reason enough to say, ‘I’m voiding my contract.’ That’s all I’ve got to say.”

Sheridan’s Reaction: ‘Ed Can Shut Up Now’

According to an insider speaking to the Daily Mail, Sheridan is not happy about Harris’ comments but is still honouring his word. The source claims the Yellowstone creator is “pissed” but has made a commitment to give Harris more screen time in Season 2.

“He will give Ed more screen time like he initially said. So, Ed can shut up now,” the insider said.

The source added that Harris “made himself look like he has a really big ego, which he obviously does.” But they quickly noted that “he’s great on screen, so there’s that.”

Harris has signed on to appear in Season 2, which is expected to begin filming next year. His role as Everett McKinney — a local rancher who owns a pet leopard — has been relatively minor so far, but the showrunner is reportedly determined to give him more airtime.

The Backstory of the Drama

Harris’ comments came after he revealed he was “frustrated” with his role on Dutton Ranch and had asked his team to “get him the f–k out of” the series “midway through” filming Season 1. He claimed he was initially promised a more substantial part but was ultimately given very little.

The veteran actor, best known for The Truman Show, Apollo 13, and The Hours, has a long history of working with Sheridan. He appeared in Hell or High Water and has a respected reputation in the Western genre, which made his feelings about being sidelined on Dutton Ranch even more noticeable.

A Promise Is a Promise

While Sheridan may be unhappy with Harris’ public rant, the insider insists he will not go back on his word. “Ed Harris will remain on the show and his role will get even bigger,” the source told the Daily Mail. “He is getting more time even though he pissed Taylor Sheridan off with his comments. But Taylor does what he says he is going to do; a promise is a promise.”

This promise comes at a time when Dutton Ranch is facing its own challenges. The show is the first spin-off in the Yellowstone universe and has been the focus of both excitement and criticism from fans and critics alike. Harris’ presence as a veteran Western actor adds a layer of gravitas, and the showrunner appears determined to give him more opportunities.

Harris’ Long Career in Westerns

Harris has a storied career in Westerns and neo-Westerns. He played Assistant U.S. Attorney Lincoln Potter on Sons of Anarchy Season 4 and reprised the role in Mayans M.C.. He also had a recurring role as Reverend H.W. Smith on Deadwood, appeared in Justified, Deadwood, and even Heartstrings. His film credits include Ford v Ferrari, Apollo 13, and The Blind Side.

His ability to bring depth and intensity to supporting characters has made him a favourite among fans of the genre. His comments on Dutton Ranch may have ruffled feathers, but they have also highlighted the challenges of balancing ego, expectations, and artistic vision in a big-budget Western series.

Whether Sheridan’s promise to give Harris more screen time will satisfy the actor or simply add fuel to the fire remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Ed Harris will remain on Dutton Ranch, and his role is expected to grow.

The feud between Sheridan and Harris may have been sparked by a few words in a Variety interview, but the promise of more screen time suggests that the showrunner is determined to keep the veteran actor in the Dutton family — even if it means swallowing some prickly comments along the way.

And that, as the saying goes, is a promise is a promise.