As Yellowstone concludes its monumental run with the final episodes now wrapped, fans are preparing to bid farewell to one of its most iconic characters — Rip Wheeler. The emotional weight of this goodbye is only made heavier by the fading hopes of a Rip and Beth spin-off series, a potential continuation many viewers had clung to. But while Rip may be riding off into the sunset, Cole Hauser — the man who brought him to life — isn’t done with cowboy culture just yet. In fact, Hauser is charging into a bold new frontier, honoring Rip’s legacy in surprising and deeply personal ways.

Right after Yellowstone wrapped production in May 2024, Hauser wasted no time jumping into his next venture. While fans may have expected another scripted series, Cole instead pivoted toward something unexpected yet profoundly fitting — a cinematic ad campaign for the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) League, which premiered at the 2024 PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. More than just a commercial, the four-minute film was a heartfelt tribute to modern cowboy culture and Americana — themes that run deep in Yellowstone and clearly strike a personal chord for Hauser.

Cole not only starred in but also directed the project, investing four months of work into bringing it to life. The result was more than just advertising; it was a statement — a love letter to bull riders and the grit they represent. In a recent interview, Hauser revealed his admiration for the athletes, saying, “Anybody who jumps on a bull is going to have not only talent, but courage.” His commitment proves this was no cash-grab or superficial brand tie-in. Instead, it was a labor of love that allowed Hauser to expand beyond the screen and become a real advocate for cowboy culture.

Even though he traded Rip’s signature gear for something new, Hauser joked that, “I can’t help the fact that I look like the character. I am the character.” Rip still lives within him — not just in spirit, but in the ethos that drives his creative choices. And though Cole is venturing out, fans haven’t entirely lost hope for that Rip and Beth spin-off. Rumors have swirled for months about a continuation of their story alongside Kelly Reilly, though Hauser recently lashed out at the speculation, leaving fans uncertain if it will ever materialize.

Yet, when asked about what mattered most to him in potentially carrying Rip into a new series, Cole became candid. “Not having the cast around certainly is hard,” he admitted. He singled out close friendships with fellow actors like Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd) and his deep on-screen bond with Reilly, reflecting on how much effort they both poured into Rip and Beth’s relationship. His connection to the character wasn’t just professional — it was emotional and collaborative from day one.

When Hauser first read the Yellowstone pilot, Rip was barely there — just a few scenes. But Cole saw something in him and convinced showrunner Taylor Sheridan to expand the role. “I thought, well, this guy only has a couple of scenes, but I love the character,” he recalled. That early creative exchange helped turn Rip into the fan-favorite character we know today — a transformation that Hauser helped shape behind the scenes.

Off-screen, Hauser’s life is far from the brooding cowboy. Living in Florida, he’s a family man, feeding dogs and raising three kids. Still, the physical toll of playing Rip — from horseback training to fight choreography — isn’t lost on him. “You’re sore for those weeks. You’re beat up a little bit because I’m getting older,” he said with a laugh. But even as he ages, Hauser isn’t slowing down — he’s just evolving.

And here’s where it gets really interesting. Outside of his PBR campaign, Cole has big plans: “I’m going to do my own television show,” he revealed. It’s a project he’s not only creating but also executive producing, directing, and starring in. That kind of creative control would allow Hauser to tell the stories he wants — on his own terms. And if the Rip and Beth spin-off doesn’t materialize soon, it’s likely he’ll turn his full attention to this personal project instead.

Despite moving on to new creative territory, it’s obvious the legacy of Yellowstone still looms large in Hauser’s life. With millions identifying him as Rip Wheeler, it’s no easy task to redefine himself. But here’s the key difference: Cole doesn’t seem to be running away from Rip — he’s embracing him, evolving the archetype into something broader and even more impactful.

Hauser’s recent work also reflects a deeper awareness. His PBR ad doesn’t just glorify bull riding; it highlights inclusivity, perseverance, and honoring working-class heroes. He’s made it clear that he cares about uplifting underrepresented voices, particularly women in Western spaces, and he’s interested in pushing the genre into new territory. If given the opportunity to spearhead larger projects, Cole could become a leading voice in modern Western storytelling.

And what about us fans? Are we ready to see Cole Hauser in a new role? A new cowboy tale? While Yellowstone might be ending, the spirit of the show lives on — in its actors, in its fans, and especially in Cole. As Tell-Alls and cast interviews surface, it’s increasingly clear that Yellowstone was only the beginning of his journey.

For fans who followed the Dutton family saga for years, saying goodbye to Rip Wheeler is hard — but Cole Hauser isn’t going anywhere. He’s just blazing a new trail, on horseback, behind the camera, and maybe soon, at the helm of a whole new Western world. Whatever lies ahead, one thing’s for certain: Cole Hauser’s cowboy legacy is just getting started.