“Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Teaser Suggests Potential Successor for Kevin Costner’s John Dutton III”
After what seems like an eternity, Yellowstone is finally set to return with new episodes in November 2024. However, Kevin Costner will not be reprising his role as John Dutton III. Instead, another character appears poised to step into the spotlight in his absence. Since its debut in 2018, the Paramount Network neo-Western drama, created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, has captivated audiences, partly due to Costner’s star power. Yet, throughout its five seasons, fans have developed a deep affection for other characters, including the one who looks set to replace John.
Among the cherished characters in Yellowstone are Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton, Cole Hauser’s Rip Wheeler, Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton, Forrie J. Smith’s Lloyd Pierce, and Gil Birmingham’s Chief Thomas Rainwater. All of them will be featured in the upcoming Season 5, Part 2. The new trailer hints that one character is stepping up to fill the void left by John Dutton III’s departure. Given the context of previous seasons and the direction of the franchise, Sheridan’s choice for a successor isn’t surprising.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Teaser Spotlights Rip Wheeler
In late August 2024, Paramount released the first teaser trailer for Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2, which solely features Cole Hauser’s Rip Wheeler. This focus on Rip suggests he may be stepping into a more prominent role following Kevin Costner’s exit. The teaser shows Rip, through the reflection in a horse’s eye, carrying a rifle at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch as he approaches the family’s home. While Rip remains silent, the trailer’s text reads, “Generations of blood have led to this,” implying he might be taking over as the central figure of the series. With the absence of John’s children—Beth, Kayce, and Jamie—in the teaser, it seems Rip is being positioned to play a more significant role.
Why Rip Wheeler Is the Ideal Successor to John Dutton III
Cole Hauser’s potential rise to the central role in Season 5, Part 2, is a fitting choice following Kevin Costner’s departure. Rip Wheeler and John Dutton III share many qualities: both are intensely loyal to their families, have strong morals, and adhere to a code of honor. John’s respect for Rip suggests that he would be inclined to pass on the ranch’s stewardship to his son-in-law.
Choosing Rip as the successor not only aligns with the series’ narrative but also appeals to fans who have grown fond of his character. If anyone is to take over John Dutton III’s legacy, many viewers will likely be pleased to see Rip stepping into the role. The show will need to address John’s absence in the upcoming episodes before Rip can fully assume the lead role.
