Why did Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan try to sue Rip Wheeler star Cole Hauser?

Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan filed a lawsuit against Rip Wheeler star Cole Hauser but why did he try to sue the actor? 

The Paramount Network Western drama is never short of rows and legal battles in order to protect the Dutton family’s beloved ranch but some of this tension spilled out into real life. 

Taylor Sheridan, the brains behind Yellowstone, unexpectedly filed a lawsuit against fan-favourite Rip Wheeler star Cole Hauser in early December 2023. 

Sheridan and Hauser both own coffee companies, Bosque Ranch and Free Rein, respectively, with Hauser launching his brand last year. 

But Sheridan had filed a lawsuit against one of his leading men over their similar-looking company logos, reportedly claiming trademark infringement and false advertising.

Read more: Oscar nominee Robert Downey Jr starred opposite Yellowstone star 15 years ago

Sheridan 53, also claimed that Hauser’s Free Rein was trying to “mistake or to deceive as to the affiliation, connection or association” with Bosque Ranch. 

This news left some fans concerned that it would cause problems for Hauser’s on-screen portrayal of Rip Wheeler who is a major part of Yellowstone. 

Thankfully, this doesn’t seem to be the case as Bosque Ranch has since “voluntarily dismissed” its lawsuit against Free Rein Coffee Company. 

Radar Online reported that Sheridan’s law firm Cantey Hanger LLP wrote in the court documents that “such dismissal is prejudice”, meaning that the dismissal is permanent and will not be revisited.

This isn’t the first time issues with Sheridan and a member of the Yellowstone cast away from the cameras have made headlines. 

The creator had reportedly come to blows with John Dutton star Kevin Costner over issues including creative differences and a salary dispute. 

There were also problems with scheduling conflicts as Costner had started work on his epic Western four-film project Horizon: An American Saga. 

As a result, Costner will not be returning for the second half of season five, meaning that John’s exit will be played off-screen.

Part one saw John give his long-term rival Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) support in fighting against a pipeline’s imminent construction. 

He was also working closely with his daughter Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) as his son Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) called for his impeachment. 

But with Costner no longer set to make a comeback for the final lot of episodes, it is unclear how these storylines are going to be wrapped up. 

Yellowstone is available to watch on Paramount Network.