Josh Stewart‘s role on Yellowstone‘s Dutton Ranch is a welcome surprise for those still missing him on Criminal Minds.
“I would have played Will and popped in and out of that show forever,” Stewart, 49, exclusively told Us Weekly. “I love playing that dude.”
Stewart was just as surprised when Will was killed off, adding, “It’s business. That is the way it goes.”
The actor had a recurring role as Will on Criminal Minds since 2007. Stewart raised eyebrows in 2024 when he revealed that he would not be reprising his role in future seasons of the show. His character died in a 2025 episode when Will collapsed after experiencing a headache.
Stewart is now playing Sheriff Handy Wade on Dutton Ranch.
“[Creator Taylor Sheridan and I] had some near collisions of working together over the years,” he recalled. “So finally being able to do that timing wise and character wise and all that is amazing.”
Paramount+’s Dutton Ranch, which airs Fridays, follows Rip (Cole Hauser) and Beth (Kelly Reilly) — as well as their son, Carter (Finn Little) — as they adjust to life in Texas after their time in Montana.
Dutton Ranch will introduce some new characters played by Annette Bening and Ed Harris. Other newcomers include Jai Courtney, Natalie Alyn Lind, Marc Menchaca, Juan Pablo Raba and J. R. Villarreal.
“As Beth and Rip fight to build a future together — far from the ghosts of Yellowstone — they collide with brutal new realities and a ruthless rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire,” read the show’s synopsis. “In South Texas, blood runs deeper, forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival might just be your soul.”
Stewart, meanwhile, wouldn’t give away the role his character will play.
“They always say if I’m playing the cop then it’s probably not the cop you want to be partners with,” he quipped. “It’s South Texas so it’s a little rough down that wall.”
Stewart continued: “I think Wade keeps everybody in his back pocket. The good, the bad, the ugly, the indifferent and everybody in between. At least that was my approach. I’m friends with everybody so I can get what I need to need.”
Looking ahead, Stewart showed support for the idea of a cameo from a Criminal Minds costar, saying, “Paget Brewster, without a question. Give her a bottle of something to drink and a horse. I’m all about it.”
Dutton Ranch airs Fridays on Paramount+.
