The Yellowstone universe continues to expand with the highly anticipated Beth and Rip spinoff, but behind the excitement lies a bittersweet truth. Cole Hauser, who portrays the iconic Rip Wheeler, recently shared an emotional update about the new series and the cast he will leave behind. While fans are thrilled that Rip and Beth will finally take center stage in their own story, Hauser has admitted that there is one Yellowstone star he will miss the most as he transitions into this bold new chapter. His revelation has sparked waves of emotion among fans, reminding everyone that even as the Dutton universe grows, change always comes with sacrifices.

Hauser’s comments came during a promotional interview for the spinoff, where he reflected on the years he has spent building Rip’s story on Yellowstone. For Hauser, the journey has been as personal as it has been professional. He spoke warmly of the ensemble cast that has made Yellowstone one of the most successful dramas in modern television, noting that the chemistry on set was unlike anything he had experienced before. Yet when pressed about which co-star he would miss the most, Hauser’s answer was both heartfelt and unsurprising: Kevin Costner, who brought patriarch John Dutton to life.

Hauser described Costner as a mentor, a collaborator, and a friend. He credited Costner with shaping not only the world of Yellowstone but also Rip’s arc, noting how Costner’s performance gave depth and resonance to every interaction between Rip and John. “Kevin isn’t just the center of the Dutton family—he’s been the heart of our cast,” Hauser explained. “Working with him has been an honor, and I’ll always miss that energy, that authority, and that warmth on set.”

For fans of Yellowstone, the bond between John Dutton and Rip Wheeler has always been one of the show’s most compelling relationships. Rip, who grew from a troubled youth into John’s most trusted ally, has long been seen as the unofficial son John never had. Their dynamic—equal parts tough love, mentorship, and loyalty—was foundational to Rip’s journey. Without John’s guiding presence, Rip’s choices might have been darker, more reckless, and less redemptive. Hauser’s acknowledgment of Costner’s importance behind the scenes echoes the emotional resonance fans felt on screen.

Hauser went on to emphasize that while the spinoff will offer him and Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) an incredible opportunity to explore new territory, it will also feel strange to step away from the close-knit family of actors who have become part of his daily life. He spoke fondly of Reilly, praising her as a partner who elevates every scene, but he was quick to circle back to Costner’s absence as the most significant change. “The new show is about moving forward,” Hauser said, “but part of me will always wish Kevin was there alongside us.”

The Beth and Rip spinoff, rumored to be set after the events of the original Yellowstone, promises to explore how the couple navigates life outside the Dutton Ranch. Early teases suggest themes of independence, survival, and love tested under pressure. For many fans, this spinoff is a dream come true, as Rip and Beth’s fiery love story has always been one of the show’s biggest draws. Yet Hauser’s comments serve as a reminder that while the spinoff will deliver plenty of passion and conflict, it will lack the paternal presence of John Dutton—a gap that will undoubtedly shape the tone of the series.

Beyond Costner, Hauser also expressed admiration for the entire cast he has worked alongside over the years. He mentioned his respect for Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton), and Kelly Reilly, describing the cast as “a family in every sense of the word.” But it was clear that his connection with Costner left the deepest impression. Fans who have followed Hauser’s career know that he has often spoken about the sense of legitimacy and gravitas that Costner brought to the series, elevating it beyond a typical drama into something cinematic and enduring.

Reactions from fans to Hauser’s update have been overwhelmingly emotional. Many took to social media to express their agreement, noting that Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton was the glue that held Yellowstone together. Others said that while they are thrilled about the Beth and Rip spinoff, they feel it will never quite be the same without the presence of John guiding his family, especially his surrogate son Rip. “It’s going to be amazing, but John and Rip’s bond is irreplaceable,” one fan wrote. “I’ll miss that more than anything.”

The departure also highlights a larger theme within the Yellowstone universe: the idea of legacy and the passage of time. Just as John Dutton fought to preserve the land for his children and grandchildren, the actors behind the characters must now pass the torch, allowing the next chapter to unfold. For Cole Hauser, the spinoff is a new beginning, but his words about Costner remind fans that the past will always linger, shaping the future in ways both subtle and profound.

Visually and tonally, the Beth and Rip spinoff will carry the DNA of Yellowstone, but it will inevitably feel different. Without John Dutton’s stern wisdom, the couple will have to rely entirely on themselves. This shift raises intriguing possibilities for storytelling, as Rip may find himself forced into a role similar to John’s—protector, leader, and moral anchor. Hauser’s acknowledgment of Costner’s influence suggests that the lessons Rip learned under John’s watchful eye will continue to echo in the choices he makes.

In conclusion, Cole Hauser’s revelation about missing Kevin Costner the most is both poignant and telling. It underscores the depth of their on-screen and off-screen bond while preparing fans for the changes to come in the Beth and Rip spinoff. While the new series promises love, conflict, and unforgettable drama, Hauser’s words remind us that part of Yellowstone’s magic was the family dynamic shaped by John Dutton. As Rip and Beth strike out on their own, the absence of John will be felt deeply—but his influence will live on in Rip’s every decision, ensuring that even in his absence, the heart of the Dutton legacy endures.