Taylor Sheridan, known for his success in Hollywood, faces a rare setback with his troubled horror film debut. A Stephen King novel might offer the perfect opportunity to restore Sheridan’s reputation by blending horror with his signature Western crime style.
Taylor Sheridan’s Troubled Horror Debut Still Shadows His Reputation
Although Taylor Sheridan is widely celebrated for his sharp storytelling in Western crime dramas, his first attempt as a director strayed far from this success. His horror film Vile failed both critically and artistically, resulting in a project he now distances himself from. This misstep remains a blemish on an otherwise exemplary career and serves as a cautionary example of the risks involved when branching into unfamiliar genres.
Horror is a well-established genre that continues to attract enthusiastic audiences, yet even experienced filmmakers can struggle to deliver compelling stories within it. Sheridan’s Vile suffered from a fragmented narrative and poor execution, culminating in harsh responses from viewers and an absence of any meaningful critical acclaim. When reflecting upon his involvement, Sheridan minimized his role clearly:
A friend of mine raised — I don’t know what he raised — 20 grand or something, and cast his buddies, and wrote this bad horror movie, that I told him not to direct. He was going to direct it and produce it, and he started and freaked out, and called and said, “Can you help me?” I said, “Yeah, I’ll try.” 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.
—Taylor Sheridan, Filmmaker
The low-budget nature and amateurish qualities of Vile prevented it from gaining traction in the market, and many critics simply chose not to rate it. Audience feedback, however limited, indicated dissatisfaction with loose plotlines and an unsatisfactory conclusion. The film stands in stark contrast to Sheridan’s later acclaimed works, such as Sicario or Yellowstone, and remains his most criticized effort.
Among Sheridan’s later projects, the 2021 thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead, featuring Angelina Jolie and Jon Bernthal, also received mixed reviews despite a moderate 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes. While this film shows an improvement over Vile, it is still considered one of his weaker efforts.
Stephen King’s Forgotten 1980s Screenplay Offers a Chance for Renewal
Stephen King’s consistently compelling storytelling has made him a proven force in horror literature and cinema, with a record of successful adaptations spanning decades. From his first published novel, Carrie (1974), to later classics like The Shining and The Shawshank Redemption, King’s works rarely fail to captivate audiences and critics alike.
Among King’s lesser-known projects lies an unproduced screenplay from the 1980s titled The Shotgunners. This script, integrating horror elements with Western motifs, aligns well with Taylor Sheridan’s established style. Sheridan’s familiarity with frontier justice and crime narratives could create a fresh version that honors King’s original vision while showcasing Sheridan’s strengths as a filmmaker.
The screenplay eventually inspired two of King’s novels, Desperation and The Regulators. The Regulators explores a peaceful suburban neighborhood under siege by armed killers, a plot that merges King’s horror mastery with suspenseful, crime-heavy drama—territory where Sheridan excels.
King described the origins of The Shotgunners during an interview with Joseph B. Mauceri:
Sam [Peckinpah] was looking for a picture to make and I had this screenplay that was called ‘The Shotgunners’ which I had for a long time and went back something like five years. It was one of these feverous things that I’d written in about a week. I really like it but there was no interest in it.
—Stephen King, Author
The iconic director Sam Peckinpah showed interest in the screenplay decades ago but no project emerged, leaving the story untouched on the sidelines. With Sheridan’s current influence and track record, especially with Paramount, he is well-positioned to revive this material and potentially craft a critically and commercially successful film that reintegrates horror into his repertoire.
What Redemption for Sheridan Could Mean for Horror and Western Genres
Should Taylor Sheridan decide to adapt Stephen King’s The Shotgunners, it would mark a notable turning point in his career. Embracing a King novel that blends horror with Western crime thrills could repair the damage caused by Vile and expand Sheridan’s artistic range. This adaptation would also continue to highlight the enduring appeal of King’s stories, which often explore human terror amidst familiar settings.
Moreover, for fans of both creators, such a project promises a layered narrative that capitalizes on Sheridan’s talent for tense character studies and King’s unmatched horror storytelling. It could rejuvenate interest in genre crossovers and introduce new audiences to Sheridan’s vision with a stronger horror foundation.
As Sheridan builds an empire of films and series, including successful shows like Yellowstone, revisiting horror under the guidance of a master like Stephen King might represent not only a personal comeback but a creative evolution. With contemporary tastes favoring darker, grittier content, the timing may be ideal for merging these worlds.
Fans and critics alike remain curious whether Sheridan will acknowledge his past misstep and embrace this chance. Meanwhile, Vile remains accessible for viewing on streaming platforms such as Tubi for those interested in exploring the director’s early, if flawed, work.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How high is Stephen King’s IQ?
A. Stephen King, a writer from America, is known for horror, supernatural stories, and suspense. He is one of today’s most successful authors. His reported IQ is about 130. King’s talent for creating gripping and thrilling tales has gained him many fans and praise from critics.
