Ed Harris says he considered leaving 'Dutton Ranch' over limited role

Veteran actor Ed Harris said he nearly quit the Paramount+ series "Dutton Ranch" after feeling his role was smaller than promised. Harris told Variety that before signing on he was led to believe he would be one of four main characters, but the first season left him "underused and inconsequential."

"I'm feeling underused and inconsequential," Harris said, adding that producers responded only with a vague promise of a larger part in the second season.

He recounted a scene in which his character, veterinarian Everett McKinney, was set to sing in a bar, only for the sequence to be cut because it was deemed too upbeat for the episode’s dark ending. The removal of the scene contributed to his frustration and his statement that he might void his contract.

Despite the tensions, Harris said that after viewing the completed season he now sees his character as "relatively important to the story," and he remains signed on for two additional seasons, though it is unclear whether he will stay.

"Dutton Ranch," a spin-off from the Yellowstone franchise created by Taylor Sheridan, premiered on Paramount+ in May and follows familiar characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they relocate from Montana to Texas. The series also features Annette Bening, Finn Little, Juan Pablo Raba, Jai Courtney, J.R. Villarreal, Marc Menchaca and Natalie Alyn Lind.

Paramount, Sheridan and Harris were contacted for comment but did not respond.