Ed Harris says he was misled about role size in Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch"
The actor told Variety he was promised a main-character part in the series but felt his role was reduced, prompting frustration during production.
Actor Ed Harris said he was misled about the significance of his character in the Yellowstone spinoff "Dutton Ranch" during a press event for Apple TV's "The Dink." He recalled being told before signing that he would be one of four main characters, a claim he said did not match the reality of the first season.
"Prior to signing on for it, I was talked to quite a bit about what the season was, and what my character was going to do — and that I was one of the four main characters. And that wasn't really the case," Harris said.
Harris described feeling underused and inconsequential, noting that producers indicated his character might have a larger presence in the second season. He also mentioned a scene in which his character sings in a bar was cut from the episode, which added to his frustration.
The series, which premiered on Paramount+ on May 15, follows Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they establish a ranch in South Texas. Harris portrays veterinarian Everett McKinney and is contracted for two seasons, though he hinted he might consider leaving the show. Spokespersons for Paramount, series creator Taylor Sheridan and 101 Studios did not respond to requests for comment.