Is Rip Wheeler Being Replaced on the Yellowstone Spinoff Dutton Ranch?

p>With Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) now overseeing the 10-Petal Ranch, the responsibility of fixer has been handed off to another character — and Dutton Ranch fans are split on their reactions.

Rip’s new position doesn’t mean Hauser is leaving the show; rather, it signifies his character’s development after relocating to Texas with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly). The couple moved during the premiere of Dutton Ranch on Paramount+ last month. Now, with Rip managing his own ranch, he’s no longer accountable to anyone.

“It’s akin to venturing to the moon for these characters,” Hauser remarked to People last month regarding Beth and Rip’s move to Texas. “They are unfamiliar with the land, the people, and the environment.”

Reilly chimed in, “Moreover, they don’t really know who these individuals are. They’re not sure what they’re up against.”

As expected, the couple is adapting to their new surroundings.

Continue reading for all you need to know about Rip’s successor on Dutton Ranch:

Has Rip Wheeler Been Replaced on ‘Dutton Ranch’?

It’s not a simple yes or no answer.

Although Rip is no longer acting as a ranch hand or fixer, he remains committed to the 10-Petal Ranch and is now in charge.

Who Is Assuming Rip Wheeler’s Duties on ‘Dutton Ranch’?

Two different characters will fill Rip’s previous roles. Azul (J.R. Villarreal) will step into the foreman position at the Dutton Ranch alongside Zachariah (Marc Menchaca).

Zachariah, a recently released cowboy, finds employment at the Dutton Ranch.

“He was a cowboy who was passed around and took jobs on various ranches. He’s one of those guys who rodeoed and worked to survive. That embodies the essence of cowboy life,” Menchaca shared exclusively with Us Weekly about his character. “It’s incredibly exhilarating because there’s always an element of surprise, whether you’re on a bucking horse or out roping.”

Meanwhile, Rip has Chet (Hart Denton) as his foreman at the 10-Petal Ranch, revealing the character’s darker side as Rip’s brutality comes to the forefront.

What Have Fans Said About Rip’s Replacements on ‘Dutton Ranch’?

Some fans are puzzled and questioning Hauser’s future on Dutton Ranch.

“Cole cannot leave the show,” one Facebook comment states. “He is the best actor on there. We all love him dearly.”

Another fan remarked that Rip is being “leveled up” to a more significant role within the ranch, rather than just being the “fixer.” They elaborated, “Because Rip is now calling the shots and stepping into a John Dutton-style patriarch role.”

Dutton Ranch has not yet been renewed for a second season.