Cole Hauser Gives Peek Into Devastating Loss Coming to 'Yellowstone's Final Episodes

Cole Hauser, who millions know as the rugged Rip Wheeler on the hit TV series Yellowstone, recently teased some tantalizing details about the show's long-awaited second half to its final season, Season 5b, which premieres Sunday, Nov. 10 on Paramount Network.

The series, which has captured the hearts of millions of viewers since its debut in 2018, promises an emotional and action-packed ride to conclude the series as the Dutton family grapples with "devastating loss" and uncertain alliances.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Yellowstone, Including First Look Photos

In a recent Parade exclusive, Hauser shared his thoughts on the return of the series, saying we'll return to the ranch at a time when "it's a pretty emotional year, and everyone is trying to pick up the pieces and move forward."

One thing that will weigh heavily on the Duttons is the loss of family patriarch John Dutton, with Kevin Costner stating back in June that he'd made his final physical appearances in the first half of the season and wouldn't be back.

While we don't know how John Dutton exits, reportedly Costner has some say in it, with a “moral death” provision in his contract that prevents the character from dying in a way that is shameful or embarrassing to the character, Costner or his family.

While Hauser remained tight-lipped about Rip's fate in Season 5b, he did reveal that his character "does a lot of the killing," and beyond that, we'll have to wait to see how events will unfold.

As the Dutton family navigates the heightened turmoil, Rip finds himself in a supportive role for his on-screen partner Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly). Given Yellowstone's huge success and undeniable fervor for the Rip + Beth love story, there's been plenty of speculation about a spinoff series focusing on the duo. (And why not? So far, the show already has spun off five other shows.)

"I mean, obviously it would be amazing. There are talks about it, and we’ll see how it shakes out," Hauser says.

Related: Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox Join Modern Day 'Yellowstone' Spinoff Series, 'The Madison'

With only six episodes left of the smash series, fans can expect the same dynamic tensions, conflicted characters and daily drama that have carried them through the past six years, and that includes the stormy and complex Rip.

"We never thought Rip would be so loved! But I'm happy that the character has touched so many people. Taylor [Sheridan] has written some wonderful scenes where you get to see all of these colors, which is a dream come true for an actor. That's what made the role and the show special for me," Hauser says.

Next, Get a Glimpse of the Fighting and Kissing to Come in a New Yellowstone Trailer