“How Kevin Costner’s Exit Influenced Rip’s Story Arc in Yellowstone: Cole Hauser’s Surprising Insights”
As Yellowstone’s final episodes of Season 5 prepare to air in the 2024 TV schedule, fans are bracing for a significant change: the absence of Kevin Costner’s John Dutton, who has been central to the series from the start. With Costner’s departure, the show will shift its focus, and as the cast promotes the upcoming installment, they’re hinting at how the series will conclude without its patriarch. Cole Hauser’s recent comments have sparked curiosity about the impact on Rip’s storyline.
Hauser shared that Season 5B is about “picking up the pieces and putting them back together,” indicating a fresh direction for Rip and Beth. Their story arcs will be “totally different,” suggesting that Costner’s exit has significantly influenced their trajectories. Let’s delve into what Hauser revealed about Rip’s future in the series.
Cole Hauser’s Take on Yellowstone’s Conclusion
Like fellow cast member Ian Bohen, Hauser expressed enthusiasm for how Yellowstone will wrap up. He praised Taylor Sheridan for crafting an ending that brings the cast together, ensuring that each character receives a meaningful moment to reflect on their journeys. Kelly Reilly echoed this sentiment, noting that John Dutton’s absence is an integral part of the show’s conclusion, hinting that his fate was always intended as part of the narrative arc.
However, the abruptness of Costner’s exit raises questions about how Rip’s character will evolve without John Dutton.
The Shift in Rip’s Role
While Rip isn’t John’s biological son, he has always been a vital part of the Dutton family, having been saved by John in his youth and later marrying his daughter, Beth. Now, as he takes on more responsibilities, Hauser suggests viewers will witness a new side of Rip this season: “You’re going to see a side of Rip you haven’t seen. He’s running the ranch, supporting Beth, and helping Kayce—doing all the things John would want. He takes that responsibility very seriously, and I love that about this year for him.”
Rip has always shared a close bond with John, serving as his protector and confidant. With John gone, the questions surrounding Rip’s journey become even more intriguing. Will he feel lost without John’s guidance? Will he channel his passion into protecting the ranch and family even more fiercely? Or could this lead him to ultimately take over the Dutton legacy?
These uncertainties surrounding Rip’s future have captivated fans since the news broke about Kevin Costner’s exit. As the final episodes approach, viewers are eager to see how these developments will unfold.
