Taylor Sheridan has built a reputation as a creative genius with impressive credits in movies and TV shows across multiple genres. And now, he has earned his own space in the entertainment industry and is regarded as the master craftsman of the modern western world. In fact, Sheridan’s most recent work, the neo-western series Yellowstone, took cable TV by storm and opened doors of opportunities for him. That is, since the show’s success, Paramount signed him up to create more shows for the network.
Let’s dive into his growing filmography, from his earliest works to his latest projects.
Vile (2011)
Taylor Sheridan’s first directorial credit was the American horror film “Vile.” The story follows ten kidnapped captives as they race through 22 agonizing hours to escape the locked room.
However, in a 2017 Rotten Tomatoes interview, Sheridan said he didn’t consider this his directorial debut. It was written by a friend, and he was asked to help direct the film. “I kind of kept the ship pointed straight, and they went off and edited and did what they did. I think it’s generous to call me the director.” Nevertheless, it was an excellent opportunity for Sheridan to point a camera and learn some lessons. And as we can see now, it clearly paid off.
Sicario (2015)
Sheridan’s realization that his acting career would not afford him any recognition fueled the shift into working behind the scenes as a writer. “Sicario” was his first screenplay credit, and it turned out to be the catapulting force that drove him from a lesser-known decade-plus actor into one of Hollywood’s most in-demand writers. It competed at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival for the Palme d’Or and was nominated at the 88th Academy Awards for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Editing.
The action thriller film starred Emily Blunt as FBI special agent Kate Macer who teams up with a CIA officer (Josh Brolin) and revenge-seeking assassin (Benicio Del Toro) to take down the head of the Mexican drug cartel. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Hell or High Water (2016)
Sheridan enjoyed back-to-back success with his feature film follow-up “Hell or High Water.”
The neo-Western crime drama directed by David Mackenzie took on the story of bank robbers and brothers (Chris Pine and Ben Foster) as they are pursued by Texas Rangers (Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham). After its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section, the film was met with critical acclaim and earned box-office hit status. Sheridan also received numerous nominations from the Oscars, Academy Awards, Golden Globe, Writers Guild, BAFTA Award, and Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.
Wind River (2017)
“Wind River” marked Sheridan’s second directorial effort and third film screenplay credit. And it was another dip in the neo-Western genre.
Elizabeth Olsen and Jeremy Renner top-billed the film as government agents working together to solve the murder of 18-year-old Natalie Hanson. The film highlighted the tragic reality faced by Indigenous Women every day – getting raped and murdered – and Sheridan hoped to raise awareness through it. “Wind River” won Un Certain Regard for Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival. It was also chosen as a Top Ten Independent Film by the National Board of Review.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
The sequel to Sheridan’s celebrated screenplay debut “Sicario” directed by Stefano Sollima, came nowhere close to delivering the level of impact of the first film. Sheridan received heavy criticism for the screenplay, and Emily Blunt’s absence as the main character added another negative hit. Nevertheless, the film finished fifth at the box office.
Yellowstone (2018)
Taylor Sheridan’s signature and most popular work to date is his neo-Western TV series Yellowstone. If you have yet to hear of it, Yellowstone follows the Duttons – led by Kevin Costner as John Dutton – and their fight to keep their land and protect their family’s long legacy as Montana’s ranchers. The series achieved overwhelming success and even went on to become the most-watched cable series on TV. And with that, Paramount green-lighted additional prequel and spinoff series: 1883, 1923, and 6666.
The Last Cowboy (2019)
The Last Cowboy was a reality competition show in the vein of Formula 1: Drive to Survive. This was Sheridan’s first docuseries, and it featured eight horse trainers and their high-stakes quest to win a million dollars. While it didn’t receiveYellowstone’s level of success, it was still a great addition to his filmography and the film industry as it allowed a glimpse into a sport that is slowly losing its audience.
Without Remorse (2021)
Loosely adapted from the 1993 Tom Clancy novel, “Without Remorse” was Sheridan’s second collaboration project after Yellowstone. He co-wrote it with Will Staples, and it was directed by Stefano Sollima.
The action thriller film was headlined by Michael B. Jordan, a NAVY Seal who sought revenge on the Russian hitman who murdered his unit members and pregnant wife. Jordan received commendations for his commanding performance. Though the film, in general, didn’t live up to the high expectations of the viewers.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
Another action-packed thriller film, “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” was based on Michael Koryta’s same-titled novel. Sheridan wrote the screenplay alongside Koryta himself and Charles Leavitt. Sheridan also directed and co-produced the film.
It was highly anticipated with its enticing premise and Angelina Jolie leading the cast. Unfortunately, it didn’t do so well at the box office and, at the time, recorded the second-worst opening of all time by a film.
Mayor of Kingstown (2021)
After the Duttons, Sheridan introduced the powerful McLusky family – led by Jeremy Renner as Mice McLusky and Dianne West as Miriam McLusky – in his crime thriller TV series Mayor of Kingstown. The show revolves around the thriving business of incarceration in Michigan and reflects an analysis of the real issues surrounding America’s prison-industrial complex. It was a new setting to explore for Sheridan, but it was no stranger to his other works discussing family, power, money, and corruption.
1883 (2021)
1883, a 10-episode limited-run series, served as a prequel to Yellowstone. It told the story of the earliest generation of Duttons and their journey to the West to acquire the Yellowstone ranch. Country music couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill star in the series, along with Sam Elliot, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissman, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, and James Landry Hebert.
Tulsa King (2022)
Crime drama TV series Tulsa King by Taylor Sheridan and Sopranos alum Terence Winter is still inside the neo-Western genre but with a twist. Unlike his previous works, Sheridan took on an urban mafioso as the protagonist.
The show follows Dwight “The General” Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone, after his 25-year prison sentence and his mission to build a new criminal empire in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The project is Stallone’s first leading role in a scripted TV series.
1923 (2022)
1923 is the latest of Sheridan’s extended projects for Yellowstone. This is a continuation of the story in 1883 as the next generation of Duttons battle through hardships during the Western Expansion, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren lead the cast as Jacob and Cara Dutton.
Taylor Sheridan is also set to release new movies and TV shows, including the highly anticipated Land Man, Lioness, and 1883: The Bass Reeves Story.
