Ransom Canyon cast Steve Howey in a key role after several of its stars exited season 2.
Howey, 48, is joining in a recurring guest star role as Staten’s (Josh Duhamel) half brother, Levi. According to multiple outlets, the character is described as “a mountain man of sorts who lives off the land.”
The news of Howey’s role comes after it was confirmed that Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner, who played father and son Davis and Reid, respectively, will not be returning as series regulars. It is unclear whether they could return in a guest star capacity.
Ransom Canyon is currently in production on its second season with Ben Robson and Heidi Engerman added to the cast as recurring guest stars as well. Both newcomers are set to appear in multiple episodes as filming continues in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Based on Jodi Thomas‘ book series about a town that is full of drama, romance and hope, Ransom Canyon, which premiered in April, introduced Us to the locals in Texas Hill Country. Duhamel’s character, Staten, was grieving two major losses in season 1 while navigating his undeniable connection to childhood friend Quinn (Minka Kelly), who has also caught the eye of Staten’s brother-in-law and love triangle rival Davis (Macken).
There was also Yancy (Jack Schumacher), who had a past he was hiding from Ellie (Marianly Tejada). Viewers found themselves further invested in a love triangle between high school students Lucas (Garrett Wareing), Lauren (Lizzy Greene) and Reid (Liner).
Before his exit, Liner, 25, spoke exclusively to Us Weekly about where he saw Reid’s story going next.
“He should have never gone against his family. He was trying to do the right thing and he’s figuring out what is right for him. He’s constantly in this battle of what is good,” Liner explained in April. “I think that the most interesting stuff is going to be with his dad, with his mom and figuring out that world. Because we don’t get to see much of it in season 1 — even though it’s discussed a lot and we get to see glimpses. I am very fascinated with that.”
At the time, Liner praised Ransom Canyon for investing time in Reid’s friendship with Lucas.
“There is something to say about male friendships in general. It feels like it is a deep love,” he continued. “So I think that having that you see them come together as friends — because they’re not from jump — is a version of its own love story. But maybe it’s not as romantic.”
Ransom Canyon has finally been renewed for season 2 — and there have already been teases about possible love triangle outcomes, spinoff plans and more. Based on Jodi Thomas‘ book series of the same name, Ransom Canyon introduced Us to a town full of drama, romance and hope. The first season kicked off with stoic […]
Liner was hopeful that Reid would find love after Lauren and Lucas ended the season together.
“There is something to say about being on the losing side of a love triangle because oftentimes, in the most dramatic ways of TV and movies, the guy who loses is obviously the best choice,” he noted before confirming that “the door is open” for season 2.
“Reid is in a very complicated state of mind where he is ready to be truly bad or truly good,” Liner teased. “It’s the decision of whether or not he wants to lean into one or the other. So maybe he does find a girl and it’s them together forever — or maybe he’s going to go on a tear. I don’t know which way we’re going to go.”
Ransom Canyon is currently streaming on Netflix.
