Dutton Ranch viewers have been left confused after it was suggested one of the main stars was gearing up for an exit.
Fans are worried Rip Wheeler is leaving Dutton Ranch(Image: PARAMOUNT)
Dutton Ranch fans are frantically searching for answers after a major exit was implied.
Fans of the record-breaking and critically-acclaimed Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton Ranch, have been left with many questions after it was implied one of the show’s best-loved characters was leaving.
The Yellowstone sequel sees Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprise their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they build a new life for themselves in Texas.
Following a series of devastating events, Rip was forced to take up a job at the rival ranch, the 10 Petal, owned by Beulah Jackson (played by Annette Bening), in order to earn money.
He and Beth hoped to work together to find out what they could about Beulah and prevent her from being a potential threat.
However, reports after the latest episode have left fans wondering whether Rip Wheeler had been forced out.
WARNING: THIS STORY CONTAINS SPOILERS
Is Rip leaving Dutton Ranch?
The answer is no, Rip Wheeler is not leaving Dutton Ranch, despite what some headlines have suggested.
Reports of ‘Rip’s replacement’ have taken viewers down a misleading path, as there is no-one lined up to take over the lead role.
Equally, actor Cole Hauser is not stepping down from the role, it is simply that his character has taken on a slightly new position in the series.
While Rip has been busy running the 10 Petal Ranch, his ranch hands, Zachariach (Marc Menchaca) and Azul ( J.R. Villarreal), have been handling his duties at the Dutton Ranch.
He hopes his work there will be temporary, until they can figure out what to do about their own cattle-less ranch.
In the most recent episode, Beulah announced that her addict son, Rob-Will (Jai Courtney), would take over running the 10 Petal.
As Rob-Will and Rip had a previous run-in at the gas station, fans are predicting Rip will be driven out, or worse – killed by Rob-Will.
With the finale just over a week away, anything could happen, but at this moment in time, Rip is staying put and there is no evidence to suggest he is leaving.
The series is yet to be renewed for another season, but following its record-breaking debut, there are high hopes for its return.
Dutton Ranch airs on Fridays on Paramount+