Ed Harris is set to return for the second season of Dutton Ranch, the Yellowstone spinoff, despite previously expressing frustration over his role's significance. The 75-year-old actor, who plays Everett McKinney, was reportedly 'already picked up' for the upcoming season, with filming scheduled to begin on January 15. Writers are keeping Harris 'in the loop' as the script is developed, and his character is expected to have a more central role after he voiced dissatisfaction with his limited part in the first season.
Harris had initially believed his character would be one of the show's four main leads but later felt misled, telling Variety that he asked his handlers to 'get me the f*** out of here' after realizing the extent of his role. The first season's showrunner, Chad Feehan, was reportedly let go before the premiere due to Harris's underutilization, and Harris was involved in selecting Benjamin Cavell, the creator of SEAL Team, as Feehan's replacement.
Meanwhile, Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler, acknowledged challenges during the first season due to franchise creator Taylor Sheridan's absence from the writers' room. Hauser described the transition to new writers and directors as difficult but noted that the cast worked hard to overcome the obstacles. Sheridan remained an executive producer but was not directly involved in day-to-day creative decisions for the first season.
Representatives for Harris, Sheridan, and Paramount have not responded to requests for comment.