10 Must-Watch Cole Hauser Movies And TV Shows That Define His Career (Beyond Rip Wheeler)

The career of Cole Hauser has exploded into a global phenomenon thanks to his iconic portrayal of the rugged, loyal ranch foreman Rip Wheeler on the hit series Yellowstone. As of December 2025, with the main series having concluded its final season, fan curiosity is at an all-time high: What is the actor doing next, and which of his previous roles are essential viewing? The answer is a blend of exciting new projects and a surprisingly deep history in Hollywood, spanning everything from action thrillers to critically acclaimed dramas.

Hauser's journey is a testament to consistency, moving from breakout roles in the 90s to becoming the face of one of the biggest Western dramas in television history. While the Dutton Ranch may be in his rearview mirror, his upcoming slate—including a highly anticipated spin-off and a major Netflix collaboration—proves his star power is only continuing to rise. Here is a complete look at the man behind the cowboy hat and the essential movies and TV shows that have defined his three-decade career.

Cole Hauser: Biography, Profile, and Complete Filmography Highlights

Cole Kenneth Hauser was born on March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California. His lineage is deeply rooted in Hollywood; he is the son of actor Wings Hauser and the grandson of legendary screenwriter Dwight Hauser. This family connection gave him an early start in the industry, though he quickly carved out his own path as a versatile character actor.

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His early career was marked by a series of roles in critically acclaimed films alongside a cohort of young, rising stars, establishing his reputation as a formidable presence on screen. Prior to his career-defining role as Rip Wheeler, Hauser consistently worked across genres, demonstrating his range from military dramas to high-octane action.

• Birth Name: Cole Kenneth Hauser
• Date of Birth: March 22, 1975
• Place of Birth: Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
• Spouse: Cynthia Daniel (m. 2006)
• Notable TV Roles: Officer Randy Willitz (High Incident), Ethan Kelly (Rogue), Rip Wheeler (Yellowstone)
• Notable Film Roles: Billy McBride (Dazed and Confused), Jack Rourke (2 Fast 2 Furious), Staff Sergeant Cota (Tears of the Sun), Billy (Good Will Hunting)
• Current Status: Starring in the upcoming Yellowstone spin-off and developing new projects as an actor, producer, and writer.

Essential Cole Hauser Movies That Shaped His Career

Before the Dutton Ranch, Cole Hauser built a solid foundation with roles that are now considered cult classics and cinematic milestones. These films showcase his early versatility.

• School Ties (1992): Hauser made his film debut in this drama about antisemitism in a 1950s preparatory school. He starred alongside future heavyweights like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and Brendan Fraser.
• Dazed and Confused (1993): As Billy McBride, Hauser was part of Richard Linklater's iconic coming-of-age film, a role that cemented his place in 90s cinema.
• Good Will Hunting (1997): Reuniting with Damon and Affleck, Hauser played Billy, one of Will Hunting’s loyal, working-class friends. The film won two Academy Awards and remains a highlight of his early career.
• Pitch Black (2000): In this sci-fi action film, Hauser played the mercenary William J. Johns, showcasing his ability to handle intense, genre-specific roles.
• 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003): Hauser stepped into the role of the main antagonist, Carter Verone, a ruthless drug lord. This high-profile role exposed him to a massive global audience and proved his capability as a compelling villain.
• Tears of the Sun (2003): Starring opposite Bruce Willis, Hauser delivered a powerful performance as Staff Sergeant Cota in this military action drama, demonstrating his commitment to physically demanding roles.

The Rip Wheeler Phenomenon and the Yellowstone Universe

Cole Hauser’s role as Rip Wheeler in Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western series Yellowstone is arguably the most significant of his career. The character—a stoic, fiercely loyal, and often violent enforcer for the Dutton family—became a cultural touchstone, drawing millions of viewers to the Western genre.

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Rip Wheeler’s complex relationship with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) is the emotional core of the series. His evolution from a troubled youth taken in by John Dutton (Kevin Costner) to the trusted foreman of the Dutton Ranch captivated audiences for five seasons. The success of Yellowstone fundamentally changed the trajectory of Hauser’s career, turning him into a global star and a symbol of rugged American masculinity.

What’s Next? Cole Hauser’s Upcoming TV Shows and Films

As the curtains close on the main Yellowstone saga, the demand for Cole Hauser remains exceptionally high. His future slate is packed with projects that will keep him on screens well into 2026, including a return to his most famous character and a major new collaboration.

1. The Yellowstone Spin-Off with Beth Dutton (Tentative Title)

The biggest news for fans is the confirmation that Cole Hauser will reprise his role as Rip Wheeler in a direct Yellowstone spin-off series, with Kelly Reilly also returning as Beth Dutton. The new show will continue the story of the fan-favorite couple. While plot details are scarce, the series is expected to air in 2026, following the conclusion of Yellowstone’s final season. This move ensures the enduring legacy of the Rip and Beth storyline, cementing Hauser’s place in the expansive Taylor Sheridan universe.

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2. New Netflix Series with Matthew McConaughey

Hauser is set to join an untitled new Netflix series that will also star Matthew McConaughey. While specific plot details are currently under wraps, the combination of these two major Hollywood stars on a new streaming project is generating significant buzz. This series represents a major shift for Hauser, moving him into a new high-profile, non-Western television drama.

3. Expanding His Role as Producer and Writer

Beyond acting, Hauser has expressed excitement about a new, unannounced Western project where he will not only star but also serve as a producer and writer. This demonstrates his desire to have more creative control and explore the Western genre from a new perspective, leveraging the topical authority he gained from Yellowstone.

Recent Action Thrillers: Hauser’s Post-Yellowstone Film Work

In between seasons of Yellowstone, Hauser continued to take on lead roles in action and crime thrillers, showcasing his ability to lead a film outside of the Western landscape.

• Panama (2022): He starred alongside Mel Gibson in this action thriller set in 1989, playing a former Marine hired for a dangerous mission in Panama.
• The Minute You Wake Up Dead (2022): A neo-noir thriller where Hauser plays a stockbroker entangled in a murder and an insurance scam, proving his ability to handle complex, suspenseful narratives.
• The Ritual Killer (2023): In this crime thriller, Hauser stars as a detective who teams up with a professor (Morgan Freeman) to track a serial killer who uses an ancient ritual.
• Dead Man’s Hand (2023): This action-packed film sees Hauser take on another lead role, further cementing his status in the independent action genre.

Cole Hauser’s filmography is a rich tapestry of genres, from the foundational teen dramas of the 90s to his current dominance in the modern Western. While Rip Wheeler remains his most beloved character, his upcoming projects—especially the Rip and Beth spin-off and the Netflix series with Matthew McConaughey—ensure that his career is entering an even more exciting and prolific phase. Fans of the actor have plenty to look forward to as he continues to define his legacy in both film and television.