Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser Says It Would Be a ‘Shame to Stop a Great Thing’ on Future of the Dutton Universe (Exclusive)

Yellowstone‘s season 5 conclusion may be putting an end to the story of John Dutton (Kevin Costner) — but Cole Hauser doesn’t see any reason why that should stop the show as a whole.

The actor, 49, who plays Rip Wheeler on the hit western drama series, tells PEOPLE that he sees space for a continuation of the Dutton story in some capacity beyond what the coming episodes, which begin airing on Nov. 10, have in store.

Although he calls himself “just a hired gun,” Hauser admits that it “sure would be a shame to stop a great thing,” in terms of bringing Yellowstone to an end completely. “I believe the numbers speak for themselves and America has spoken.”

“Taylor [Sheridan’s] and my interest was to bring back an American man who is unapologetic, honest, loyal with strong values. I believe we have accomplished that together,” he adds.

In season 5, Rip’s role on the Dutton ranch has come even more into focus as he continues to put life and limb on the line to preserve John Dutton (Costner)’s property, as well as maintain his obligations to his wife, Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and their pseudo-adopted son Carter (Finn Little).

Costner made the decision to not return to for the show’s final six episodes, which air nearly two years since the midseason finale.

On the red carpet premiere on Nov. 7, Hauser told PEOPLE he couldn’t wait for fans to finally see the episodes. “I hope that they love it.”

“And, you know, maybe there’ll be more,” he teased. “Maybe they’re wrong. But if this is it, then it’s been one hell of a ride.”

He added, “as long as Taylor Sheridan is writing,” he’d be interested in returning.

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In April, Hauser told PEOPLE ahead of his return to filming for the final episode of Yellowstone season 5 that he was “excited to go back to work.”

“It’s been a year and a half. I’m excited to see my castmates. I’m excited to see Kelly Riley and work with her, see Taylor again,” he added at the time, noting how “amazing” it has been “to create a character that really transcends through not only our country, but now into Europe, South America, Australia.”

For more on Yellowstone, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE.

“It’s pretty wild that this show has touched so many,” he says, remarking how his character exemplifies someone that people want to watch with “simple, great values, honesty, grit, termination, love.”

Yellowstone returns on Sunday, November 10 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Paramount Network. All five seasons are streaming on Peacock and Paramount+.