Taylor Sheridan created one of the most popular franchises on television today. His vision of life as a cattle rancher out West spawned several spinoffs, prequels, and sequels. Oscar-nominated actor Kevin Costner took on the role of the Dutton family patriarch in Yellowstone. However, the show ended after five seasons when he made an unexpected departure.
The Dutton universe expanded with several prequels. Yellowstone stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser continue the story of Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler on Dutton Ranch. Ed Harris and Annette Bening also star in the sequel. Ed Harris revealed why he almost quit the show in the first season. Keep reading for more details.
Ed Harris Reveals Shocking Reason He Almost Quit Dutton Ranch
Dutton Ranch premiered on Paramount in May. Before the cast was confirmed, the show was reportedly looking for an actor of Kevin Costner’s status to join the series. Taylor Sheridan found the perfect person in Ed Harris. He starred in iconic hits such as The Truman Show, Apollo 13, and more.
The Oscar-nominated actor effortlessly took on the role of Everett McKinney, a former Navy pilot turned veterinarian. But Ed Harris quickly discovered, like Kevin Costner before him, that the role wasn’t what he thought. Kevin Costner reportedly quit over scheduling conflicts and creative issues.
In a recent interview with Variety, Ed Harris revealed that he almost quit Dutton Ranch during the first season. But unlike Kevin Costner, the Apollo 13 star wanted *more* to do, not less. He was unhappy with the lack of scenes, especially after being told he was among the main four characters on the show.
“Midway through this first season, I was ready to go,” Ed Harris told Variety. “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. And that wasn’t really the case.”
He described the situation as a “little frustrating,” though he was happy with what ultimately aired on television.
Teases Season 2
Ed Harris revealed that he almost broke his contract over another issue. He had a scene where his character was supposed to sing and it was abruptly cut. “They cut the song out. [I’m like] f*** you people,” he said.
Ed Harris says he felt “misled” about his “inconsequential” role on “Dutton Ranch,” and that halfway through filming Season 1, he was telling his team to “get me the f— out of here.”
“Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was, and what… pic.twitter.com/StmmazVogC
— Variety (@Variety) July 21, 2026
After admitting that he felt “misled” by how much he would be in Dutton Ranch, Ed Harris had good news for Season 2. He said that his character has “a little bit more to do” in the second season. It begins filming early next year.
Dutton Ranch barely escaped losing one of its biggest stars. Tell us in the comments if you blame Ed Harris for almost quitting.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
