Ed Harris Says He Wanted to Leave Dutton Ranch After Feeling “Underused” in Taylor Sheridan Series

Veteran actor Ed Harris has opened up about his disappointing experience on Dutton Ranch, revealing that he considered walking away from the Yellowstone spinoff during production. Speaking at the premiere of Apple TV+’s The Dink, Harris said creative decisions surrounding his character left him feeling sidelined throughout the first season.

His comments came during an interview with Variety, where he discussed his role as veterinarian Everett McKinney and why he became frustrated with the show’s direction.

Harris pointed to a scene in which Everett is asked by Rip Wheeler to perform a song in a bar. According to the actor, the moment was removed entirely during editing, which he strongly opposed.

Recalling his reaction, Harris said,

“I’m going, ‘f* you, people.'”

He added that producers explained the sequence was cut because it was

“too ‘up'”

for the episode’s darker ending. Harris admitted the decision made him feel like

“enough reason to say I’m voiding my contract.”

Ed Harris criticized creative decisions on Dutton Ranch, saying his role was reduced despite early expectations. (Image via Paramount+)

The actor also revealed he initially joined the series after being told Everett would be one of the four central characters in Season 1. Instead, he said he felt

“underused and inconsequential,”

adding that his concerns were met with little response from producers.

Although Harris has been told his character will receive a larger role in Season 2, he acknowledged he remains

“just a little frustrated”

with how the first season unfolded.