Ransom Canyon season 2 has confirmed a surprise new family member is joining the Netflix western show, played by a star from ABC’s High Potential. The cast of Ransom Canyon is primarily made up of three rancher families, with the Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) acting as the central character of the show. Character relations are always a central focus.

Now, Deadline has confirmed Steve Howey, best known for his role as Nick Wagner in High Potential, will be joining the cast of Ransom Canyon season 2. Howey will portray Levi, Staten’s half-brother, who is described as someone who “lives off the land.” Howey will appear in a recurring guest star capacity, his larger role in the series under wraps.

Ransom Canyon season 2 is currently filming in Netflix Studios Albuquerque. The story is set to continue documenting the power struggle over Ransom, with Staten and Quinn (Minka Kelly) central to the conflict. Season 2 will also see Casey W. Johnson’s Kit promoted to series regular, while Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner’s Davis and Reid Collins are no longer regulars.

As for Howey joining the show, it’s one of many major roles the former Shameless and Reba actor has been cast in over the last few months. His character is a new regular for High Potential season 2, while he’s also set for a recurring role in Prime Video’s Off Campus. Ransom Canyon is his latest venture of many.

Ransom Canyon season 1 ended with a number of major events that will be deciding factors for how the rest of the show plays out. This includes Cap dying at the end of episode 9, alongside Staten and Quinn’s relationship remaining undefined during the season finale. Margaret is also arrested and Kit is freed, emphasizing his story will grow more important.

With Macken’s Davis and Liner’s Reid no longer series regulars moving forward, the only member of Staten’s family who will be is his father, Sam. Levi’s arrival will help fill the gap, even if he’s only showing up in a guest capacity. How he’ll factor into the conflict unfolding surrounding the ranch, though, remains to be seen.

With filming for Ransom Canyon season 2 still underway, it may be some time before the deeper importance of Howey’s character is confirmed. For now, though, it appears he’ll have a key part to play in Staten’s storyline. Depending on his role, he could be crucial to how the battle for the ranch plays out in the episodes to come.

Release Date

April 17, 2025

Network

Netflix

Showrunner

April Blair

Directors

Amanda Marsalis

Writers

April Blair