Yellowstone is more than just a show—it’s a cultural force. Since its debut, Taylor Sheridan’s gritty neo-Western has wrangled the hearts of millions, making cowboys cool again and turning the Dutton family into TV royalty. But as the flagship series nears its epic conclusion, fans have been clinging to one burning question: what’s next?
Well, it seems Cole Hauser—our very own Rip Wheeler—might’ve just given us the biggest hint yet.
Who Is Cole Hauser, Really?
From Hollywood Legacy to Western Icon
Cole Hauser isn’t just a fan-favorite on Yellowstone—he’s Hollywood royalty with a rugged edge. The son of actor Wings Hauser and great-grandson of screenwriter Dwight Hauser, acting runs in his blood. But it wasn’t until he slipped into Rip Wheeler’s cowboy boots that he found his defining role.
The Man Behind the Beard
Let’s be real—Rip Wheeler is Yellowstone. The hat, the grit, the loyalty? All Hauser. His magnetic performance turned him into a symbol of strength and smoldering intensity. So, when Hauser speaks about the future, fans listen like it’s gospel.
The Series Finale—Bittersweet or Just the Beginning?
Yellowstone Season 5: A Long Goodbye
The announcement that Yellowstone’s fifth season would be its last hit hard. After years of power plays, betrayals, and raw emotion, it’s tough to imagine saying goodbye. But according to Hauser, that goodbye may come with an ellipsis instead of a period.
“We’ll See What’s Next”—What Does Cole Hauser Really Mean?
Spinoff Speculation Explodes
In a recent interview, Cole Hauser dropped the ultimate tease: “We’ll see what’s next.” Just five simple words—but in Yellowstone nation, that’s basically a mic drop.
Is he hinting at a Rip Wheeler standalone series? Or maybe a Dutton family prequel or sequel with him at the helm? One thing’s for sure—he’s not ruling anything out.
Yellowstone Spinoffs Already in Motion
1883 and 1923—The First Steps
Before we get carried away, let’s not forget: Yellowstone’s universe has already expanded with prequels like 1883 and 1923, diving deep into the Dutton lineage. These shows didn’t just succeed—they thrived.
The Matthew McConaughey Rumors
And there’s more—rumors of a new spinoff starring Matthew McConaughey have been swirling for months. While details are scarce, Sheridan has hinted at more Dutton drama in the pipeline. Could Rip Wheeler show up here? It’s not out of the question.
Why Rip Wheeler Deserves His Own Series
Fan Favorite and Story Untapped
Rip isn’t just beloved—he’s complex. Raised in trauma, hardened by life, yet fiercely loyal and loving to Beth. There’s so much more to explore: his backstory, his rise on the ranch, or even his future without John Dutton.
The Ultimate Antihero
Let’s face it—antiheroes are in. Think Tony Soprano, Walter White, or Tommy Shelby. Rip has all the makings of the next one. A spinoff focused on him could dive into grittier, darker territory.
Taylor Sheridan’s Empire Isn’t Slowing Down
The King of Modern Westerns
Sheridan’s TV empire is already stacked. Besides Yellowstone, he’s behind Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Lioness. So if Hauser is hinting at more Rip, you better believe Sheridan’s listening.
Hauser’s Real-Life Cowboy Cred Adds Fuel to the Fire
Not Just Acting—He Lives the Life
Hauser’s not faking the cowboy lifestyle. He rides, ropes, and even trains at a working ranch. That kind of authenticity makes him perfect to lead any new western-based series.
How a Spinoff Could Actually Work
Set It Before the Yellowstone Timeline
Imagine a young Rip, freshly taken in by John Dutton. That’s fertile storytelling ground. Grit, redemption, and growth—all waiting to be explored.
Or… Post-Yellowstone Survival Story
What if Rip survives the series finale—but the ranch doesn’t? Watching him rebuild his life could be equal parts thrilling and emotional.
Fan Theories Are Already Running Wild
Social media is buzzing. Reddit threads are lighting up. Fan art? Already rolling out. One popular theory? A Rip & Beth spinoff set on a new ranch, away from the chaos of Yellowstone. Relationship goals, cowboy-style.
What This Means for the Yellowstone Legacy
A New Chapter, Not the End
Hauser’s tease gives us hope that Yellowstone isn’t closing the book—it’s just turning the page. Spinoffs aren’t just fan service—they’re world-building at its finest.
Final Thoughts: Hold Onto Your Hats, Y’all
Cole Hauser’s little tease might’ve just changed everything. Yellowstone’s finale may be on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of Rip Wheeler. If anything, it feels like his story is just getting started.
Conclusion: The Legacy Lives On
While Yellowstone’s final season promises to be a bittersweet farewell, Cole Hauser’s hint leaves the door wide open for more Western magic. Whether it’s a Rip-centric spinoff, a fresh take on the Dutton legacy, or a brand-new adventure altogether, one thing is clear: the Yellowstone universe is far from done. And we’ll be right here, boots on, waiting for what’s next.
