“They’re scared,” Taylor Sheridan says, amused by the fear he seems to instill in those around him. Stepping onto his porch and away from a group of publicists huddled inside his house, the Yellowstone showrunner is well aware of the rumors and controversies that have dogged him recently. From the exit of Yellowstone’s star, Kevin Costner, to allegations of misusing production budgets, to clashes with writers demanding staffing minimums, Sheridan’s name has been making headlines.
But as Sheridan settles into a seat, wearing his signature denim attire and cowboy boots, it becomes clear that there’s more to him than meets the eye. Elizabeth Olsen, who worked with Sheridan on Wind River, once described him as “a cowboy who’s like a combination of your dad and the Marlboro Man.” And sitting on his massive Four Sixes ranch in the remote Texas panhandle, it’s easy to see why. The ranch, covering 270,000 acres, is nearly the size of Los Angeles and serves as the inspiration for Sheridan’s hit show Yellowstone. Growing up in North Texas, Sheridan was familiar with the legendary Four Sixes ranch, which he based Yellowstone’s scope and operation on. Acquiring the property was no easy feat, but it has become a symbol of Sheridan’s success and a connection to his storytelling.
Sheridan’s rise to prominence in Hollywood is nothing short of remarkable. Just twelve years ago, he was a struggling actor down to his last $800. But with his first screenplay sale, he found himself catapulted into the world of writing and producing. Sheridan’s success has allowed him to fulfill his own dreams of owning a ranch, albeit the very one that inspired his show. Life imitating art was never his intention, but here he is, living the life he once created for his characters.
But Sheridan’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. Hollywood tried to pigeonhole him as an actor, but he knew he had more to offer as a writer. When his pilot for Mayor of Kingstown garnered significant interest from major networks and agencies, Sheridan refused to sell. He believed in his ability to write the show himself, even if it meant walking away from lucrative deals. It was a bold move that demonstrated his trust in his creative instincts and set him on a path to success.
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In the years that followed, Sheridan wrote a series of acclaimed films that he dubbed his “modern American frontier” trilogy. Sicario, Hell or High Water, and Wind River showcased his unique storytelling style and garnered critical acclaim. It was during this time that Sheridan also pitched the idea for Yellowstone as a movie. HBO expressed interest but had reservations about the show’s Middle America setting. Undeterred, Sheridan even managed to secure Robert Redford to play the lead role, only to be told that HBO wanted a “Robert Redford type,” not the real deal. It was a blow, but it only fueled Sheridan’s determination to bring his vision to life.
Eventually, Sheridan found a home for Yellowstone at Paramount. The show became a hit and propelled Sheridan into the spotlight as one of the most prolific writers in Hollywood. But with success came new challenges. Accusations of misusing production budgets and clashes with writers demanding staffing minimums have put Sheridan in the center of heated debates. However, during his conversation, Sheridan offers his side of the story and provides unparalleled insight into his writing and producing process.
As the conversation comes to an end, it’s clear that Taylor Sheridan is a force to be reckoned with. From his humble beginnings as a struggling actor to becoming the mastermind behind some of Hollywood’s most captivating stories, Sheridan has proven that determination and belief in one’s own creative instincts can lead to remarkable success. And as he looks out over his vast Four Sixes ranch, it’s evident that Sheridan’s journey is far from over. He has created his own genre of storytelling, and his shows continue to captivate audiences and prop up an entire streaming service. Taylor Sheridan is a true hitmaker, unafraid to blaze his own trail in the industry he loves.
