Known for his role as Rip Wheeler in the neo-Western drama alongside Kevin Costner, Cole Hauser has been a pivotal part of Yellowstone since its inception. As the series approaches its final season, there’s speculation about Hauser stepping into a lead role, particularly amid uncertainties surrounding Kevin Costner’s return as John Dutton III.
While the prospect of their characters in the upcoming season remains uncertain, the actor has shared his favorite line from the show, one he believes reflects a deeper societal need in modern America.
Cole Hauser Reflected on Rip Wheeler’s Blunt Dialogue in Yellowstone
In a candid interview with WFAA, Cole Hauser shared his favorite line that the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, has written for him, “F*** you.” He explained that it may seem abrasive out of context, but with the show’s dynamic and his character’s demeanor, it carries a subtle significance.
“I love when he’s like, ‘Jimmy, f— you,’ or ‘Shut the f— up, Jimmy.’ But it’s endearing, though. It’s just Rip’s way. And I think Taylor and I, there’s this real serious kind of part of the both of us, and I think we get the humor of it.”
He noted the humor in Rip and Jimmy’s relationship and emphasized the importance of authenticity and tough love in communication, which he believes is lacking in modern American society. “Listen, it’s tough love, man,” he told WFAA before adding, “That’s missing in this country.”
While he was pleased with Sheridan writing something like this for his character and enjoyed performing it out with Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom, he also shared that there were concerns about how it would be received by the audience.
And Hauser was pleasantly surprised by the positive reception. “I think what’s amazing is that people got the humor of that relationship with Rip and Jimmy, which was surprising,” he said, stating that they thought Rip’s demeanor might paint him in a negative light.
Taylor Sheridan Sued Cole Hauser’s Coffee Company
In 2023, reports came out that the Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan had filed a lawsuit against actor Cole Hauser’s coffee company, Free Rein, in the Northern District of Texas. According to People, the lawsuit alleged “trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising” citing similarities in branding marks between their two companies.
The court filing also claimed that “neither Hauser nor the Defendants” sought permission or authorization from Sheridan Bosque Ranch to utilize a mark resembling the BR Brand for nearly identical goods.
Sheridan’s Weatherford, Texas, ranch had partnered with Community Coffee to produce Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee in June 2023. Shortly after that, Hauser launched his Free Rein Coffee Company in October 2023, with his friends, Karl Pfluger, Aron Marquez, and Paul Anderson.
However, the suit was reportedly resolved outside of court, with Radar Online stating that Taylor Sheridan’s law firm, Cantey Hanger LLP, specified in court documents that any dismissal would be “with prejudice.” It also stated that the showrunner can not file the lawsuit again in the future.
The legal dispute added to existing tensions between the showrunner and its cast amid Kevin Costner, exit from the show. As the show gears up for what is expected to be its final season, the off-camera dynamics between key figures could potentially influence the series’ direction.
Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock Premium.
