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Ed Harris made it clear that he wasn’t thrilled with his experience on Dutton Ranch — but does that mean he is exiting the show ahead of season 2?
Deadline reported that Harris, 75, is expected to return in the sophomore season, which is being written right now. The actor previously revealed he has a two-year deal for Dutton Ranch and the outlet noted that there is an option for a third season.
Harris’ issues were allegedly largely related to the creative aspect of the show. After his character, Everett McKinney, was barely featured in season 1, stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser confirmed Harris would be front and center in the future.
“I think season 2 is going to feel very much more Ed [Harris]’ show,” Reilly, 49, recently told TV Insider. “This is not the Beth and Rip show. This is Dutton Ranch, and there’s four lead characters.”
Reilly specifically highlighted Annette Bening as well. “It’s such a privilege to have them come join our show,” she added. “I’ve said this before, I feel like they made us legit.”
The actress continued: “We could have just been a little soapy spinoff and we’re not because of them. We’re a drama, we’re a new show, and it’s got some heavyweights in it. We’re very proud to be working with them.”
Hauser, 51, had similar praise for Harris.
“Obviously, Annette is phenomenal, but I cannot wait to work more with [Ed],” he shared. “He’s such an amazing American actor that I think was used very sparingly this year. We’re going to make sure that he is a big part of helping us, moving forward in whatever capacity.”
Hauser explained how Harris’ Everett will “become a very important, integral part of season 2.” This insight was shared shortly before Harris expressed his frustrations with the hit Paramount+ series.
Dutton Ranch debuted on Paramount+ in May. Weeks before the premiere, Us confirmed that Chad Feehan would not return as showrunner after completing work on season 1. Puck News reported that Feehan, who created Lawmen: Bass Reeves with Taylor Sheridan, stepped away from Dutton Ranch after alleged friction with series stars Hauser and Reilly, among others.
Sheridan and his producing partner David Glasser, along with the two leads, were allegedly more unhappy with how Feehan ran the production than with the scripts.
“Showrunners change all the time. This business is about adapting,” Hauser told The Hollywood Reporter in June. “We’ve been doing this for a long time. Things change. People move on.”
Reilly had a similar outlook on the shakeup.
“It was a really difficult but really satisfying show to make,” she said. “And so was Yellowstone. So is anything worth making. We’re all creative minds and we all work together and I’m so proud of that.”
Deadline, meanwhile, reported that Harris was involved in picking Feehan’s replacement: SEAL Team creator Benjamin Cavell.
Dutton Ranch returns to Paramount+ in 2027.
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