Unveiling the Unseen: Jaw-Dropping Secrets That Elevate the Dutton Drama in Yellowstone

The behind-the-scenes details of Yellowstone add depth to the Dutton family saga. In the past, it was uncommon for movie stars to lead television series. However, the rise of quality television, like The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, changed that perception. In the '80s and '90s, it would have been unimaginable for someone like Kevin Costner to star in a long-running series. Yet, Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone defied expectations and cast Costner as the lead.

This contemporary Western revolves around John Dutton, portrayed by Costner, as he fights to protect his vast ranch from various competitors. Yellowstone has not only become one of the most popular TV shows in America, but it has also spawned a universe of spinoffs, including prequels 1883 and 1923. As Costner looks to pursue other projects, Yellowstone is set to conclude with the second half of season 5.

10 Yellowstone Is Filmed At A Working Ranch

The Yellowstone ranch has become an iconic location in its own right, playing a significant role in the show. It is portrayed by Chief Joseph Ranch, a fully operational cattle ranch situated in Darby, Montana. Chief Joseph Ranch possesses all the necessary elements for the show, including cabins, corrals, the bunkhouse, barns, and more. Naturally, Yellowstone fans are eager to visit this renowned location. Once filming concludes, guests have the opportunity to book a stay at the ranch and enjoy guided tours of both the ranch itself and various filming locations.

9 The Yellowstone Cast Undergoes An Annual "Cowboy Camp"

Yellowstone co-creator Sheridan is not just a talented writer and producer, but also a genuine cowboy in his own right. Growing up on a ranch and currently owning cattle and horse operations in Texas, Sheridan's connection to the cowboy lifestyle is undeniable. In order to maintain the show's authenticity, he goes to great lengths to ensure that the actors not only learn how to ride, but also attend an annual Cowboy Camp. This intensive training allows them to hone their skills in herding cattle and roping, ultimately contributing to the genuine feel of the show.

8 Cole Hauser Didn't Even Have To Audition For Rip

Rip has become a fan favorite character on Yellowstone, largely due to the exceptional portrayal by Cole Hauser. It's difficult to imagine anyone else in the role now, and creator Taylor Sheridan felt the same way. In an interview with Deadline, Sheridan praised Hauser's "intensity" and "clarity," highlighting the fact that there is no hidden agenda or layers to Rip's character. He also mentioned his appreciation for Hauser's previous work in films like Pitch Black and Tears of the Sun, further solidifying his belief in the actor's ability. Interestingly, Sheridan didn't need to audition Hauser for the role of Rip.

Again, it was a significant achievement to secure a star of Costner's caliber for a TV series, and he was generously compensated for his involvement. However, in an interview with Good Morning America, Costner discloses that Yellowstone was initially presented to him as a one-and-done season, similar to his Hatfields & McCoys miniseries. It was only after he agreed to participate that Paramount started considering the possibility of it becoming a long-running show. Costner admits that if he had withdrawn at that point, Yellowstone may have faced failure. Without his commitment to a second season, it is likely that the show would have concluded much earlier.

6 The Yellowstone Cast Is Filled With Real-Life Cowboys

Speaking to Sheridan's commitment to authenticity, Yellowstone features a talented supporting cast of genuine cowboys. In addition to Sheridan himself, who portrays horse trader Travis Wheatley, the show also includes Forrie J Smith as Lloyd, Jake Ream as Jake, Ryan Bingham as Walker, and Ethan Lee as Ethan. Amongst them, Smith stands out as the most seasoned, bringing years of rodeo and stunt experience to the table before joining the Yellowstone team. Similarly, Ream's background as a wrangler on the series adds an extra layer of realism to his portrayal.

Sheridan had no choice but to cast himself as Wheatley in Yellowstone because he couldn't find another actor who possessed the necessary horse riding and rodeo skills. In fact, this isn't the only role Sheridan takes on in the show. In the prequel 1883, he also portrays the real-life cowboy and rancher Charlie Goodnight, who is famously known as the "Father of the Texas Panhandle."

4 Kelly Reilly Is Yellowstone's "Best Rider," But She Rarely Rides

In the aforementioned Deadline conversation, Sheridan discusses the equestrian skills of the main Yellowstone cast. Surprisingly, Kelly Reilly, who portrays Beth Dutton, is revealed to be the most skilled rider among them all. Despite her character's aversion to horseback riding, Reilly's upbringing and experience have made her a talented equestrian. It is ironic that the person who rides the least on the show is the most proficient rider in real life. Although Beth Dutton has had more opportunities to ride in later seasons, it remains uncommon to witness her on horseback.

3 The Duttons' Chef Gator Is A Real Celebrity Chef

Yellowstone viewers are no strangers to the tense atmosphere of a Dutton family dinner, especially when Beth is upset with someone. The Duttons' chef, known as Gator, is a kind-hearted giant portrayed by professional chef Gabrielle “Gator” Guilbeau. Guilbeau has previously worked in the film industry, providing craft services for movies such as The Maze Runner and Terminator Genisys. He has also lent his talents to Sheridan's thrilling film Those Who Wish Me Dead. Since his first appearance as Gator in season 1 of Yellowstone, Guilbeau has become a recurring member of the cast.

2 Yellowstone's Walker Is An Oscar-Winning Singer/Songwriter

As well as being a rodeo rider, Walker actor Ryan Bingham is also an accomplished musician. His musical talents were recognized by Sheridan, who specifically created the character of Walker for Bingham after their initial meeting on Wind River. In the TV show Yellowstone, Sheridan frequently allows Bingham to showcase his singing and songwriting abilities through his character. Bingham's musical contributions have also been featured in movies like Joe, Father Stu, and Crazy Heart, where his song "The Weary Kind" not only won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for "Best Original Song," but also earned him the Grammy for "Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media."

1 Kevin Costner Recorded A Tales From Yellowstone Album

Aside from his work in acting and directing, Costner is also the frontman of a band called Modern West. In 2020, the band released an album titled Tales From Yellowstone, which follows the perspective of Costner's character, John Dutton. The album includes tracks such as "The Man I Am," "Poison in My Heart," and "Heaven's Gate," where Costner's daughter Lily provides vocals.

Source: Deadline, Good Morning America