Cole Hauser, who plays the rugged rancher Rip Wheeler, has described the switch to Benjamin Cavell as a “really nice next step” for Dutton Ranch as the Yellowstone spin-off heads into its second season.
The 51-year-old actor opened up about the change in a recent interview with PEOPLE, calling Cavell “a very special guy” and expressing strong optimism about the show’s future under his leadership. “He’s a very special guy, and I think the future is bright — not only for myself, but Beth [Kelly Reilly] and Carter [Finn Little] and the show in general. I think this is going to be a really nice next step,” Hauser said.
This marks a positive shift after a turbulent first season. Creator Chad Feehan, who served as showrunner for the debut, stepped down just weeks before the show premiered on Paramount+ and the Paramount Network. Reports later revealed that Ed Harris, who plays veterinarian Everett McKinney, had expressed frustration during the process and played a role in the decision to bring in Cavell.
Hauser and Reilly have both spoken openly about Feehan’s departure. “Showrunners change all the time,” Hauser told The Hollywood Reporter in June. “This business is about adapting. We’ve been doing this for a long time. Things change. People move on.”
Reilly added, “We finished [season one] with Chad beautifully. We finished this season together. It was a really difficult but really satisfying show to make. And so was Yellowstone. So is anything worth making.”
Benjamin Cavell Brings Fresh Energy
Benjamin Cavell, known for his work on Yellowstone and 1883, officially took over as showrunner last month. Hauser has nothing but praise for the new leader, noting that Cavell’s appointment feels like a natural and exciting evolution for the series.
“The future is bright,” Hauser repeated. “We’ve got a wonderful new showrunner, and I’ve been talking to him. He’s a very special guy.”
Cavell is stepping into a show that already has a strong foundation but also faced challenges. Season 1 saw behind-the-scenes tension, including Harris’ complaints about feeling underused, and some narrative adjustments after Feehan’s exit. Now, with Cavell at the helm, the cast appears more optimistic than ever about what Season 2 can deliver.
What Fans Can Expect in Season 2
The cast of Season 1 — including Cole Hauser as Rip, Kelly Reilly as Beth, and Finn Little as Carter — is expected to return in full force when filming begins in early 2027. With Cavell’s experience in the Yellowstone universe, fans are hopeful that the show will find its stride and build on the strong start Season 1 provided.
Hauser’s comments suggest he is excited about the creative direction under the new showrunner. “I think now we’re going to go into our fifth gear,” he previously hinted in other interviews, echoing the sentiment that the second season will take the Dutton Ranch story to new heights.
As Dutton Ranch Season 2 approaches, Hauser’s words give a clear sense of optimism. The showrunner change has been met with positivity from the cast, and the future of the series looks brighter than ever under Benjamin Cavell’s guidance.
Whether that translates into even deeper character arcs, bigger storylines, or a tighter narrative remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: Cole Hauser is ready, and the Dutton family is ready for whatever comes next.
