A familiar actor from producer Taylor Sheridan's expanding television universe is making a dramatic career shift, trading a villain's role for a loyal ranch hand in the highly anticipated Yellowstone spin-off, The Dutton Ranch.
From Oil Rig Antagonist to Ranch Hand
According to a casting report from Variety, JR Villarreal has been confirmed for a major part in the forthcoming sequel series. He will portray a character named Azul, described as a capable wrangler who serves as Rip Wheeler's high-hand man.
The new series will focus on Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they grapple with life after the death of ranch patriarch John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. Azul is set to be a prominent figure, assisting the couple with the daily operations of the sprawling Yellowstone ranch.
A Complete Character Reversal
For viewers of Sheridan's other Paramount+ hit, Landman, Villarreal is known for a starkly different role. In the show's first season, he played Manuel, an aggressive oil rig worker who became a primary antagonist.
His character clashed violently with Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) and his son Cooper (Jacob Lofland), culminating in a savage beating ordered by Tommy after Manuel hospitalised Cooper. The storyline ended with Manuel's arrest, presumably still imprisoned.
This casting marks a significant redemption arc for the actor, moving from a jailed villain to the trusted confidant of a franchise favourite.
Fresh Faces for a New Chapter
The Dutton Ranch is expected to introduce a new ensemble of characters, meaning several beloved ranch hands from the original Yellowstone may not return. The official synopsis indicates the series will follow Beth and Rip as they fight to protect their hard-won peace and 7,000-acre ranch from new threats and stiff competition, while also guiding young Carter (Finn Little).
While an exact release date for the spin-off remains unconfirmed, fans can stream both Yellowstone and Landman on Paramount+.
