Ryan Bingham’s Compelling Role As Walker On Yellowstone

On Yellowstone, Ryan Bingham's character Walker is a pot-stirrer. During a recent interview, the actor and Grammy-winning singer and songwriter admits he's well aware of a large population that would love to see his character killed, but he swears it's not his fault. Bingham describes Walker as a loyal guy, stating, "He’s loyal to Rip and the ranch and also just, I think in his heart, he’s the kind of guy that wants to stay out of trouble as much as he can."

However, Walker has struggled to stay out of trouble since first appearing in Season 1. Almost immediately, he becomes romantically involved with Beth Dutton, which does not sit well with her eventual husband, Rip Wheeler. Despite his attempts to quit his job on the ranch, he inevitably gets pulled back in and nearly faces dire consequences before Kayce Dutton shows him mercy.

Throughout Season 4, Walker continues to stir the pot by creating conflict with Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith) after stealing his girlfriend Laramie (Hassie Harrison). This leads to a series of violent encounters, resulting in Walker getting stabbed and beaten. If a teacher were to grade his Staying Out of Trouble test, Bingham would receive a solid 'D.'

Bingham shared some behind-the-scenes stories about filming his most memorable scenes during an interview for the Dutton Rules podcast. He recounted how a stabbing scene went very, very wrong, resulting in blood being everywhere. Bingham also mentioned the heavy scene between his character and Reilly's Beth Dutton during Episode 9 of Season 4, where Walker performs a significant song from Bingham's catalog called "Hallelujah."

In addition to his acting and music career, Bingham is currently the lead in a series of commercials for Lone River Ranch Water, a brand with which he has a personal connection. When asked about his favorite part of playing Walker, he stated, "I get to be a little bit of myself in Walker." He highlighted his background in New Mexico and West Texas, expressing that he has always romanticized Montana and the cowboy lifestyle.

Walker’s character often finds himself caught between hero and villain, leading to speculation about whether he will eventually have to choose one side. Bingham believes this conflict is part of what makes Walker so interesting. The actor also shared his thoughts on meeting Kevin Costner, expressing respect for the iconic actor and the inspiration he brings to the set.

Sharing insights into the filming process, Bingham described the special effects used in a particular scene where Lloyd throws a knife into his chest. He explained that the special effects team created a realistic look with a plastic hose for blood effects. The result was reminiscent of a Tarantino movie, with blood spraying everywhere during the first couple of takes.

In a different scene, Bingham reflected on the emotional challenge of supporting Kelly Reilly's Beth during a pivotal moment. He noted the importance of connecting with the audience as a performer, stating, "Maybe I’m the star of the show when I’m on stage playing these shows, but it’s really the fans and the interaction that makes it happen."

When discussing his involvement with Lone River Ranch Water, Bingham expressed pride in aligning with a brand that embodies the spirit of the American West. He and founder Katie Beal Brown share similar backgrounds and values, which made joining the brand a natural fit.

Looking ahead to Season 5 of Yellowstone, Bingham teased, "I can tell you that he’s not dead yet." He acknowledged that, like Beth, Walker is a character that viewers either love or hate, remarking that many fans want to see him face dire consequences.

As fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Walker, Ryan Bingham continues to captivate audiences both through his compelling character and his musical talents. His journey in Yellowstone offers a fascinating glimpse into the dualities of loyalty and conflict, ensuring viewers remain engaged.