Taylor Sheridan, renowned for his gripping Hollywood narratives, is set to direct attention back to cinemas with his latest project, the Taylor Sheridan F.A.S.T. action thriller, scheduled for theatrical debut on April 23, 2027. This highly anticipated film will mark his return to the big screen after establishing a formidable presence on television through hits like Yellowstone, Tulsa King, and Lioness.
Sheridan, a multi-talented creator with a reputation for riveting stories and powerful characters, has previously delivered acclaimed scripts for Sicario and Hell or High Water and directed movies such as Wind River. F.A.S.T. is shaping up to be another landmark moment in a storied career; the film already boasts an impressive creative team and a headline-making cast.
Brandon Sklenar and Juliana Canfield Take Lead Roles in F.A.S.T.
Stepping into the spotlight is Brandon Sklenar, known for his portrayal of Spencer Dutton in the Yellowstone spinoff 1923, where he starred alongside industry legends like Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Sklenar, who has appeared in films like It Ends With Us and Drop and has made appearances in series including Westworld, Walker: Independence, and The Offer, will lead F.A.S.T. as a veteran former U.S. special forces officer facing a perilous new mission.
Joining Sklenar is Juliana Canfield, recognized for her standout performance as Jess Jordan in the critically acclaimed HBO series Succession. An accomplished Tony-nominated actress, Canfield’s resume spans prominent roles in Y: The Last Man, The Calling, and American Horror Story: Delicate. Though details about her character remain under wraps, her casting as the female lead signals another compelling on-screen dynamic.
Action-Packed Storyline Set Against High-Stakes Backdrop
F.A.S.T. draws on Taylor Sheridan’s strengths at building gritty, intense environments by focusing on a down-and-out former special forces commando. After returning home, he finds himself recruited by the government’s Drug Enforcement Agency to head up a secretive black ops strike team. Their mission: dismantle a network of dangerous drug traffickers whose operations are shrouded in CIA involvement. The plot promises high tension, intrigue, and an inside look at covert warfare tactics.
Though the F.A.S.T. screenplay was penned by Sheridan in the 2010s, its path to production was anything but smooth. Initially picked up by Warner in 2018, studio plans once eyed Chris Pratt for the lead and Gavin O’Connor to direct. However, escalating production costs and the onset of the pandemic placed the project on indefinite hold. During this period, Sheridan’s prominence in Hollywood grew immensely, especially through shows like Lioness, Landman, and Yellowstone, ultimately positioning him to champion F.A.S.T.’s revival and make it a top-tier priority at the studio’s slate.
In May 2025, the announcement was made that Brandon Sklenar would anchor the cast, setting the stage for the film’s next phase. More details on additional cast members and characters are expected as production ramps up.
Cinematic Vision Realized by Taylor Sheridan and Ben Richardson
Sheridan’s compelling script for F.A.S.T. will be brought to life by Ben Richardson, an accomplished cinematographer and frequent Sheridan collaborator, who will step into the director’s chair for the first time on a feature film. Richardson is well known for directing episodes of Yellowstone, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, and Tulsa King, as well as for his cinematography on titles like Beasts of the Southern Wild, The Fault in Our Stars, and Wind River.
This formidable creative partnership promises a visually striking and emotionally charged film. The production effort is further bolstered by David Heyman and Jeffrey Clifford of Heyday Films, with Jenny Wood of Bosque Ranch Productions and Sheridan himself co-producing for Warner Bros.
Sheridan has consistently demonstrated a talent for writing immersive dialogue and layered characters, and his original scripts have previously garnered nominations and awards—most notably, his Oscar nomination for Hell or High Water and recognition for the acclaimed thriller Sicario. The anticipation around F.A.S.T. is heightened by this track record and by strong industry support, including praise from Warner Bros.:
“The breadth of Taylor Sheridan’s body of work is simply astounding and unparalleled in sheer excellence and consistent quality, and we could not be more honored to be making this film with him.”
—Warner Bros.
Production Timeline and Audience Anticipation for 2027 Release
Currently, F.A.S.T. has not entered principal photography, with more details about the cast, storyline, and supporting characters likely emerging in the coming months. The action thriller is firmly scheduled for theatrical release on April 23, 2027, providing fans and industry watchers ample time to anticipate fresh updates and surprise announcements.
In the meantime, fans of Taylor Sheridan’s work can revisit his broad portfolio—including series like Lioness, Tulsa King, and Yellowstone, or films such as Wind River—while tracking new developments about F.A.S.T. Brandon Sklenar, whose recent work as Spencer Dutton in 1923 has drawn acclaim, stands to gain further recognition through this high-profile collaboration.
F.A.S.T. represents not only Sheridan’s cinematic resurgence but also a promising new chapter for its talented cast and creative team. With its ambitious premise and strong production backing, the film is already one of 2027’s most anticipated action releases.
