Dutton Ranch’s “Phoenix Rising From The Ashes” Opening & Character Loyalties Addressed By Yellowstone Spinoff Cast & Director

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Be warned, this contains minor spoilers for the first episode of Dutton Ranch, “The Untold Want”! Beth and Rip face a significant challenge early in the series, but the show’s creators promise they won’t be complacent and will continue to push forward.

The new Yellowstone spinoff, initially developed by Chad Feehan, follows Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser as their characters start a new ranching business focused on selling beef wholesale. This venture brings them into conflict with Beulah Jackson, played by Annette Bening, and her family, who run the 10-Petals Ranch. Like the Duttons, the Jacksons have a complex past and are incredibly strong.

I was absolutely gutted watching the first episode of Dutton Ranch! Seeing Beth and Rip’s ranch go up in flames, with Rip risking his life to save those cattle, was heartbreaking. It made so much sense that they decided to start fresh down in South Texas, even if it meant leaving everything behind. That move is really what kicked off the whole feud with the 10-Petals, and it’s been intense ever since! It was a tough beginning for them, especially with young Carter, but they’re a resilient bunch.

Starring Jai Courtney, Juan Pablo Raba, J.R. Villarreal, Marc Menchaca, Natalie Alyn Lind, and Ed Harris, Dutton Ranch launched on May 15th to overwhelmingly positive reviews. It currently has an 86% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The Yellowstone spin-off has nine episodes, and it’s currently unknown if it will be renewed for a second season, similar to the show Marshals.

Before the new season began, Liam Crowley from ScreenRant spoke with the cast of Dutton Ranch – Cole Hauser, Finn Little, Natalie Alyn Lind, Marc Menchaca, Juan Pablo Raba, and Christina Alexandra Voros – about the show. When discussing the dramatic start to the season and its impact, Voros explained that this season is about Beth and Rip rebuilding their lives after losing their home, describing it as a story of rising from the ashes, like a phoenix.

The director praised the scene as visually stunning and crucial for launching the storyline of Dutton Ranch. While emotionally difficult, it provided a beautiful thematic starting point. The trip to Texas for Beth and Rip represents a fresh start – a journey into the unknown with familiar characters – and required a significant turning point for them to progress.

Joaquin & Zachariah’s Loyalties Are Also Their Most Dangerous Traits

ScreenRant asked if either of the actors’ characters would switch loyalties, considering they both work for the powerful Dutton family. Basically, would they prefer to work for a different boss within the Dutton Ranch system?

Definitely not. If that were to happen, Joaquin would be in serious trouble.

I was considered for a role, but it didn’t work out, and honestly, I’m relieved. I’m happy with how things turned out for Beth and Rip’s characters.

ScreenRant asked about Rip Wheeler, known for being a strong and resilient character in Yellowstone. They wanted to know what it’s like to work for him now that the story continues on Dutton Ranch.

Working with Cole and Kelly was fantastic. It reminded me of my football coach, who was like a second father – tough and set in his ways, but also kind and approachable. As the season went on, we all got comfortable enough to playfully tease Cole, and it was a lot of fun.

You know, as a movie fan, I’m always excited to hear about great actors working together. So when ScreenRant asked Pablo about Annette Benning, I was all ears. They were pointing out what a complex and nuanced performer she is – you really see different facets of her in every role. The question was basically, what was it like working with her, both as a fellow actor and as a scene partner in the show? It’s always fascinating to hear what it’s like to share the screen with someone that talented.

Working with Annette was like attending a masterclass every day. The first time we collaborated, I was so captivated by her performance and her process that I actually forgot my lines – I was completely lost in watching her, like a fan. She’s truly remarkable because she never stops pushing herself. I believe she’d do a hundred takes if necessary, and each one would be unique. She never settles for less, and that’s incredibly inspiring – it comes from a genuine curiosity, which is really impressive.

ScreenRant asked about what’s coming up on Dutton Ranch without wanting any major plot details revealed. They know things are going to get intense, starting with a dramatic event. The interviewer asked each of the actors to hint at the worst thing their character does this season.

Marc Menchaca says the most troubling thing about his character is that he ends up mirroring Rip’s actions, though he genuinely enjoys working with the people involved.

Juan Pablo Raba: I think the worst thing Joaquin does is trying to be the perfect son.

Carter & Oreana Are A Uniquely Matched Pair

ScreenRant asked everyone involved in Taylor Sheridan’s shows about their experience at “cowboy camp”—the training new cast members go through. They wanted to hear personal stories about how the training went for each person.

Finn Little said he had a fantastic time at cowboy camp. They did a lot of riding and practiced cutting, plus enjoyed all sorts of fun games. One activity involved racing around a barrel with an egg on a spoon! He thinks cowboy camp is the best part of the show and one of his favorites.

ScreenRant: When did you first do cowboy camp?

That was my first time working on the show. I believe it was during season 5, possibly either part A or part B. I definitely missed being involved in one of the seasons, but honestly, getting to work on it is always the highlight for me.

ScreenRant: How did Dutton Ranch cowboy camp go for you?

It was a little scary going in, honestly. Everyone talks about this camp, and I wasn’t sure what it would be like. The instructor is really good – a total professional.

Finn Little: When I first did it, I thought it was going to be like an actual camp camp.

It felt like a really supportive environment, almost like living in a bunkhouse with a bunch of older brothers. I was the only woman learning to ride at first, and everyone was so encouraging. I felt like I could try anything, and they were always there to cheer me on. It was a lot of fun, especially since I didn’t have much horseback riding experience beforehand. It’s great to learn a new skill for a role, and this one was particularly challenging – it wasn’t just about pretending for the cameras, we were actually learning how to ride, which was amazing.

ScreenRant asked Natalie to describe her character, noting that a colleague particularly liked her character’s green Ford Bronco.

Natalie Lind: Yeah, I do. Velocity Restorations. They are an amazing company.

ScreenRant: What else can we share beyond your vehicle of choice?

Natalie Lind enjoys playing a character who is fearless and speaks her mind, even if it means confronting others. While Lind herself isn’t quite as bold, she finds the role incredibly fun. Beneath the rebellious exterior, the character is driven by a deep desire for love and family acceptance. Lind appreciates that both her character and her co-star have enjoyable roles, which is something she doesn’t take for granted. It’s refreshing to be on a show where she genuinely loves her work and has a great time doing it.

Texas Gave Voros A Unique & Natural Way To Film Dutton Ranch

ScreenRant asked about how the new show, Dutton Ranch, builds upon the world established by Yellowstone. The interviewer noted the previous work on The Madison had a different feel, and wanted to know how the visual approach to Dutton Ranch aimed to both honor Yellowstone‘s legacy and create its own distinct identity.

Yellowstone has a distinct visual style – think long-distance shots and sweeping landscapes – that’s become central to how its stories are told. The scenery itself feels like a character, a tradition we carried over to the new series. However, the Texas setting demanded a different approach. The light, the weather, even the wildlife – we had a lot of snakes! – were all unique. It felt natural to apply the strong storytelling techniques we knew from the original Yellowstone, but to a completely new story and world. It’s like how the creators deeply understand their characters; I understood how to visually tell this new story.

Be sure to dive into some of our other Dutton Ranch coverage with:

  • Christina Alexandra Voros addressing the firing of Dutton Ranch creator Chad Feehan
  • Voros on the chances of Dutton Ranch season 2
  • Cole Hauser teasing Kevin Costner’s subtle presence in the new Yellowstone spinoff
  • Hauser on where Dutton Ranch season 2’s potential Yellowstone crossover should be set
  • Finn Little on how Carter is becoming more than Rip’s replacement in Dutton Ranch

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2026-05-15 23:52