Why did Cole Hauser agree to join Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone series? Hauser plays Rip Wheeler, the closest supporter of Costner’s John Dutton, on the drama. Hauser’s Rip is an integral part of the series, and his presence has only grown as Yellowstone has continued. You can now relive Rip’s best moments in Yellowstone Season 2 via an extra-filled three-disc DVD/Blu-ray set.
It is undoubtedly impossible for many Yellowstone fans to imagine anyone else in the role of Rip. Promoting the release of Yellowstone Season 2 on DVD/Blu-ray, Cole Hauser dished on the show’s popularity potential. I asked Hauser why he decided to join Yellowstone -- after pointing out Taylor Sheridan told Deadline it “took a little convincing” to get him on board. Here's what Hauser told me:
Well, he's [Taylor Sheridan] a big reason, obviously. Kevin's another one. I have always watched him from afar and think the world of him as an actor and a storyteller and a director, for that matter. But I think ultimately it was what he wrote ... for Rip, and it wasn't a lot in the beginning, in the pilot, in the first couple of episodes. But I think over time, him and I talked a lot, and ... brainstormed and ... sat together and kind of laid out what Rip was to him. And then you know, kind of what I thought Rip was to me and I think we just both agreed. ... We both came to this kind of place where we’re like god dammit we see totally eye-to-eye and let's create this ... really kind of amazing, but also dark kind of figure that has the ability to show an extreme anger and ... also love. ... He's got a lot of colors and I think that’s why, I hope, that’s why the audience has really enjoyed him ... as a character on Yellowstone.
Thank goodness for all of this! On that last note, Rip’s complexity spans a tragic backstory and an intense present-day storyline. As you can see in Yellowstone Season 2's new home release, there is always a lot to unpack with Rip. Season 2 managed to unravel even more layers of the tough-as-nails cowboy. It will be interesting to see what the future holds!
As those who get Yellowstone Season 2 on DVD/Blu-ray can attest, Cole Hauser’s Rip had one heck of a second season. It came with some adversity. Albeit, his romance with Beth Dutton intensified to the point of “I love you” being said. He also got shot saving Beth and risked his life again to help rescue John Dutton’s grandson Tate in the Season 2 finale.
In the end, Rip finally got acknowledged by John as a member of the family. You can see that and other tender moments all over again in Yellowstone Season 2 on DVD/Blu-ray. You can also hear Cole Hauser’s co-star, Kelly Reilly (Beth), discuss her perspective on fans’ reactions to Yellowstone’s characters. As well as Kevin Costner’s thoughts on why Yellowstone has resonated so deeply with viewers.
The three-disc Yellowstone Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray set also includes all of the Behind the Story featurettes. They include in-depth interviews with the cast (including Cole Hauser) as they break down each episode’s significant developments. For instance, in one of them, Hauser provides insight into what Rip’s plan was after that Season 2 shake-up.
Fans will have to stay tuned to see what Season 3 brings for Rip and Yellowstone’s other characters. Cole Hauser has been doing his part to get fans excited for the new season. Filming on Yellowstone’s next chapter has already finished.
The Yellowstone Season 2 set will let fans fully immerse themselves into the edgy world of the modern Western. Fans will hopefully have a long time to continue watching the adventures of Rip and others unfold on Yellowstone!
Relive Rip’s greatest moments with the Yellowstone Season 2 DVD/Blu-ray three-disc set, which is now available. A premiere date for Yellowstone Season 3 has not gotten set yet by Paramount Network. While waiting for the Western’s return, you can check out this fall’s premieres.
