“Dutton Ranch,” one of the most recent spinoffs of Taylor Sheridan‘s “Yellowstone,” premiered in May 2025 with Ed Harris among the cast. However, while promoting his new Apple TV film, “The Dink,” Harris opened up about feeling misled about his role on the Paramount+ series and wanting to quit partway through filming.
Harris attended the premiere for Apple TV’s “The Dink” on July 20. While on the red carpet, the legendary actor spoke to Variety’s Marc Malkin, and the topic of “Dutton Ranch” arose. He was first asked how many seasons of the show, which was created by Chad Feehan and Sheridan, he’d signed on for.
Harris confirmed that he’s contracted to film two seasons of the Paramount+ show. However, regarding how he initially felt about the series, he shared that “Midway through this first season,” he told his representation to “get me the f-ck out of here.” When asked why, the 75-year-old stated, “Because I didn’t feel I was being used.”
He went on, “I felt a little bit misled. Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was, and what my character was going to do — and that I was one of the four main characters.” Harris then said that it “wasn’t really the case” regarding his character being one of the main ones.
Ed Harris Still Says The ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off Is A Good Show
The “Apollo 13” alum continued his interview with Variety by sharing what he told the production crew at “Dutton Ranch” about how he felt. According to the actor, “I said, ‘I’m feeling underused and inconsequential,’ and they kind of went, ‘Oh.’”
Regarding season two, Harris said, “I’m being told my character will have a little bit more to do [in Season 2]. I was just a little frustrated, to tell you the truth.” He also shared that filming for the second season will begin in February.
From there, he revealed his honest reaction to the show, calling it “pretty good” and saying he “felt fine” about his performance in it. Harris also called his character “relatively important to the story.” However, he admitted, “But the doing of it did not feel that way.
In revealing what “really p-ssed him off” about the show, Harris stated that he was told he’d need to sing in one of the episodes. However, the song was edited out of the scene.
‘Dutton Ranch’ Is A Blockbuster Hit
Paramount+ debuted the first two episodes of “Dutton Ranch” on May 15 of this year. The series follows “Yellowstone” characters Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and Carter. The show takes place roughly six months after the events of the “Yellowstone” finale.
Regarding viewership, according to Deadline, “Dutton Ranch” became the biggest series premiere in Paramount+ history, garnering 12.9 million eyeballs in its first seven days of release. Notably, the show also debuted on Paramount Network, with 1.9 million people tuning in when accounting for delayed viewing.
‘The Dink’ Arrives On Apple TV Soon
Harris has multiple projects in various stages of development. His latest, sports-comedy film, ‘The Dink,’ is set to premiere on Apple TV on July 24 following its premiere event, where the beloved actor spoke about “Dutton Ranch.”
The film follows a down-on-his-luck tennis player, played by Jake Johnson, who begins playing pickleball in order to rehab an injury. Over the course of the film, Johnson’s character discovers a passion for the sport. The cast also includes Patton Oswalt, Chloe Fineman, and more.
Ed Harris Previously Spoke About Not Retiring
Harris has played over 100 roles throughout his decades-long career in Hollywood, and it seems the actor has no plans to slow down. In 2022, he spoke to Senior Planet and was asked if he had plans to retire.
Harris responded, “No, because I don’t know what else I would do with myself. I really do enjoy acting on stage and in front of the camera. After doing this for 40+ years, I don’t particularly enjoy trailer time, waiting to work.”
He then said, “So I actually just enjoy working; it still gives me a thrill. And I really love directing. I haven’t directed a film since ‘Appaloosa,’ which was, unfortunately, 15 years ago. But I’ve got a project to direct that I’ve been trying to get going and hopefully will in the next year or so.”
