Is 'Dutton Ranch' replacing Rip Wheeler? 'Yellowstone' spinoff rumor explained

Fans have worried that Cole Hauser might be leaving Dutton Ranch after Rip Wheeler’s role on the show shifted, but the change in his duties does not mean Hauser is exiting the series. The Paramount+ drama is set several years after Yellowstone and follows Rip and Beth as they leave Montana after John Dutton’s death and try to establish a ranch in Texas amid hostile neighbors, cattle disease and mysterious deaths.

Earlier in the season their herd was wiped out by foot-and-mouth disease, forcing them to execute their cattle. With no herd and no immediate income, the couple have been working temporarily for the neighboring 10 Petal Ranch, owned by Beulah Jackson. That shift has provoked mixed fan reactions, from pleas that Hauser remain to declarations that the character is not being replaced.

On screen, Rip has been running the 10 Petal while his ranch hands handle duties at his own property.

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