Taylor Sheridan Once Engaged in a Physical Altercation With Yellowstone Star Cole Hauser
Taylor Sheridan is anything but a typical figure in Hollywood. He essentially manages the entire “Yellowstone” franchise on his own, crafting most scripts individually and even owning the ranch where a significant portion of the series is filmed. He is deeply involved in the creative process behind the series and its spin-offs and isn’t hesitant to take things to the next level if the situation demands it. This was certainly evident during his second encounter with Cole Hauser, who portrays Rip Wheeler in “Yellowstone,” when they ended up in a physical confrontation.
In a 2022 discussion with Men’s Journal, Hauser revealed the surprising detail about their initial encounters, noting that on their second meeting, a fight broke out. The actor, known for his rugged persona, spoke about his history with bar fights and indicated that he finds value in settling disputes physically. He remarked, “Does a bear s*** in the woods? I’ve probably been in one on every continent. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with fighting. Sometimes I’m just tired of words, so let’s beat the s*** out of each other. Maybe at the end of it you’ll buy me a Guinness and I’ll buy you a Bushmills, and we’ll be done. It’s kind of what guys do.”
Interestingly, Sheridan has never been one to shy away from conflict. When series star Kevin Costner expressed dissatisfaction with the direction of “Yellowstone” season 2, Sheridan stood his ground. With Hauser’s perspective on fighting, it’s no surprise that, despite their rocky start, the two eventually forged a strong friendship.
Reflecting on their bond in a 2020 interview with Ryen Russillo, Hauser stated, “He and I have become really close friends. He’s a really intense guy, he’s very focused, he’s not unlike me. I think we kinda complement each other because we both give a s***.” He further explained that both are dedicated to their work and strive for authenticity in their portrayals, particularly with Hauser’s character. “You know, we both care greatly about what we put out into the marketplace. But also to make sure we’re portraying, especially my character, you know, as realistic as possible. He’s one of those guys who works his ass off ’til it’s over, and when it’s over, he likes to have a nice drink and enjoy himself.”
However, as the years progressed, their relationship faced challenges. In late 2023, Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch initiated a lawsuit against Hauser’s coffee enterprise, Free Rein, over the similarities between their logos. Although the suit was eventually dropped, it underscored that not all disputes can be resolved amicably, even among friends. It’s worth noting that Sheridan also charges Paramount for the use of his ranch and livestock during the filming of “Yellowstone.”
Looking ahead, the future of “Yellowstone” remains in flux, particularly with Costner’s departure from the series. Nevertheless, there may still be a sixth season in the pipeline, with both Hauser and Kelly Reilly expected to return. The franchise also has new projects underway, including another season of “1923” and a spin-off titled “The Madison.” Sheridan’s empire continues to thrive, and it seems that for both him and Hauser, collaboration will persist, even if it occasionally involves a bit of conflict. “Yellowstone” is currently available for streaming on Peacock.
