When the final scenes of Yellowstone wrapped in May 2024, a deep silence settled over the Dutton Ranch—one that reverberated through the hearts of millions of loyal fans. But for those grieving the departure of the show’s most stoic and loyal cowboy, Rip Wheeler, there is both sorrow and a spark of hope. Because while the sun may have set on Rip’s last ride through Montana—for now—Cole Hauser, the man behind the legend, is far from finished telling cowboy stories. In fact, he’s blazing a trail that could redefine the very myth of the modern Western.

Saying Goodbye to Rip Wheeler—Or Is It?

Few characters in television history have left as deep an emotional imprint as Rip Wheeler. Loyal to a fault, fiercely protective of Beth, and unwavering in his commitment to the Dutton legacy, Rip became more than just a fan favorite—he became a symbol. His love story with Beth Dutton, painted in tragedy, passion, and resilience, captured hearts in a way that felt both timeless and raw.

And now, as rumors of a Beth & Rip spin-off begin to fade, fans are left grappling with a question no one wants to answer: Is this really goodbye?

Not according to Cole Hauser.

Despite speculation, Hauser’s latest endeavors prove that Rip Wheeler’s spirit is very much alive, even if the character isn’t currently riding across Taylor Sheridan’s scripted pages. And Hauser isn’t just waiting around for scripts to land in his lap—he’s creating, directing, and starring in new projects that echo the cowboy creed etched into Yellowstone’s DNA.

A Cowboy in a New Arena

Shortly after filming wrapped, Cole saddled up again—this time behind the camera as well as in front of it. In a bold, evocative move, he directed and starred in a cinematic four-minute ad for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) League, which premiered at the 2024 PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.

But don’t mistake it for a typical commercial. This was a full-bodied tribute to Americana, to grit, and to the kind of stoicism Rip embodied so well. It was a love letter to the cowboy ethos: the same grit, blood, and honor that made Yellowstone a cultural phenomenon.

In his own words, Hauser said, “Anybody who jumps on a bull is going to have not only talent, but courage.” That same courage has clearly infused his approach to life post-Yellowstone. He poured four months into this PBR project, crafting something rich with soul and symbolic weight. The ad wasn’t just a performance—it was a calling.

Hauser, it seems, isn’t content with riding someone else’s story. He’s making his own.

Rip’s Legacy Is More Than a Character

Hauser recently opened up about his journey with the role of Rip, revealing that when he first read the Yellowstone pilot, the character barely had any lines. But something about the brooding cowboy caught his eye. “I thought, well, this guy only has a couple of scenes, but I love the character,” he said.

That early spark became a wildfire thanks to his collaboration with Taylor Sheridan, and over time, Rip evolved into a complex, layered figure—a man whose pain ran as deep as his devotion.

But what’s striking about Hauser today is how effortlessly he carries that legacy forward. Though he’s traded the dark jacket and black cowboy hat for something new, he still carries Rip with him. As he joked in an interview, “I look like the character. I am the character.” That’s no accident—it’s a reflection of how fully Hauser merged with Rip’s world, and how deeply the role reshaped his life.

Even now, as he builds new projects and directs his own path, the emotional weight of Yellowstone continues to follow him. When asked about reprising Rip in a spin-off, Hauser didn’t shy away from the truth: “Not having the cast around certainly is hard.” The absence of familiar faces—Kelly Reilly’s Beth, Forrie Smith’s Lloyd—still stings.

Yet Hauser’s bond with Reilly, particularly as it relates to Rip and Beth’s fierce, chaotic love story, remains undeniable. “Kelly and I were focused on Rip and Beth’s relationship and our love together,” he said. That passion is something fans desperately hope to see again—even if Paramount has yet to confirm what the future holds.

What Comes Next for Cole—and Rip?

While a Beth and Rip spin-off remains in limbo, Cole Hauser isn’t sitting idle. Instead, he’s stepping into his most ambitious role yet: creator. “I’m going to do my own television show,” he revealed. “It’s something that I created. It’s something that I’m going to executive produce, direct, and act in.”

For fans, this is both thrilling and bittersweet. On one hand, we’re seeing Hauser fully empowered to shape his vision. On the other, it might mean Rip gets left behind if Paramount doesn’t act fast. The longer they delay, the more likely Hauser may throw his energy into something entirely new—something where he writes the rules.

But here’s the beautiful twist: no matter what he creates next, Rip’s shadow will never fade. The experience changed Hauser. He’s acknowledged that the physical toll of cowboy training remains with him—and so does the emotional journey. “You’re sore for those weeks. You’re beat up a little bit because I’m getting older,” he admitted with a knowing laugh.

And yet, he presses forward. With PBR, with his own show, and perhaps—just perhaps—with Rip in tow.

Final Thoughts: The Cowboy Who Won’t Quit

As we stand at the edge of Yellowstone’s legacy, there’s one thing that’s clear: Cole Hauser isn’t just playing cowboys—he lives by the code. His reverence for women, for overlooked voices in Western culture, for authenticity—it all bleeds through his work.

And that’s what makes his next chapter so compelling. Whether he rides as Rip again, or blazes new trails as a storyteller and director, the cowboy spirit endures. And maybe that’s the true legacy of Yellowstone—not just the story we watched, but the fire it lit in the people who brought it to life.

So saddle up, fans. The ride isn’t over. It’s just beginning.