A recognisable face from Taylor Sheridan’s television world has been cast in the Yellowstone spin-off, The Dutton Ranch.

The forthcoming sequel series will pick up the story of Beth Dutton (portrayed by Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), in the aftermath of the tragic death of Beth’s father, ranch proprietor John Dutton (Kevin Costner).

According to casting announcements reported by Variety, actor JR Villarreal has signed on to portray a character called Azul.

The role is characterised as “a whipcord wrangler as Rip’s high-hand man” and is anticipated to feature prominently throughout the series.

Azul will assist Beth and Rip with the day-to-day running of the Yellowstone ranch, though he may find himself embroiled in conflict as fresh adversaries surface in the wake of the Dutton patriarch’s demise, reports the Express.

Nevertheless, Sheridan devotees will likely recognise Villarreal from a markedly different part in the successful Paramount+ series Landman.

During the opening season, he played Manuel, an oil rig operative who crosses Tommy Norris (Billy Bob Thornton) after making threats towards his son, Cooper Norris (Jacob Lofland).

Following the tragic death of Manuel’s cousin Elvio (Alejandro Akara) in a horrific accident, Cooper begins developing feelings for his widow, Ariana Medina (Paulina Chavez).

Manuel grows fiercely protective of Ariana and ignites a feud with Cooper after being reassigned to work alongside him. When he oversteps the mark by tailing him home and landing him in hospital, Tommy strikes back by ordering his gang to give him a severe beating, effectively ending his career and leading to his arrest by the sheriff.

Since he hasn’t been spotted since that incident, Manuel is presumably still locked up with little chance of getting out anytime soon after crossing paths with one of the oil industry’s most influential figures.

Fortunately, actor Villarreal now has an opportunity for redemption playing the faithful right-hand man to Yellowstone hero Rip.

The Dutton Ranch spin-off is rumoured to showcase an entirely fresh cast of cowboys, bidding farewell to familiar faces like Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith), Ryan (Ian Bohen) and Teeter (Jennifer Landon).

A synopsis for the forthcoming sequel states: “Beth and Rip are grateful for the peace they sought, fought, and nearly died for with their 7,000-acre Dutton Ranch.

“With tough times and stiff competition, Beth and Rip do what they must to survive, all while ensuring Carter (Finn Little) becomes the man he’s supposed to be.”

Yellowstone and Landman can be streamed on Paramount+. The Dutton Ranch doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date.