Michael Kelly missed the chance to appear in Taylor Sheridan’s 2021 thriller Those Who Wish Me Dead, starring Angelina Jolie, but that setback led to a significant career boost years later. Despite not securing a role in that $23 million box office project, Kelly remained on Sheridan’s radar, ultimately earning a key part in Sheridan’s Paramount+ CIA drama Lioness, acting alongside Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman. This turn of events exemplifies how industry rejection can transform into a future opportunity.
Kelly recounted his experience in an interview with Bingeworthy, describing how he first flew to Los Angeles to meet Sheridan for Those Who Wish Me Dead. Although he did not get the role, shortly afterward, he received a call from Sheridan about a new project. Kelly remarked,
“I had flown out here to Los Angeles to meet with [Taylor Sheridan] for the movie with Angelina Jolie, [‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’]. I did not get that [role], and then when they said, ‘Hey, Taylor Sheridan wants to have a call with you to talk about this new show he’s doing,’ I was like, oh my god, yes, I love Taylor Sheridan, obviously,”
Kelly explained how Sheridan recalled their previous meeting when he was cast for Lioness. The casting director had recommended Kelly’s name for the role of Westfield, and Sheridan confirmed without hesitation. Kelly shared,
“And I told him, ‘Hey man, I don’t know if you remember, but a few years ago I flew out there, and I met with you for the Angelina Jolie movie’ And he was like, ‘Yeah, that’s why we’re talking, bro.’ He was like, ‘The casting director said, okay, we were going through roles, and she was giving recommendations of who might play who, and we’re giving lists for each character, and she said, and for Westfield, we’ve got Michael Kelly.’ He was like, ‘Done, moving on,’ and he’s like, ‘That’s why we’re talking now.’ So for all the actors out there, when things don’t go your way, sometimes they end up going your way.”
This moment marked a turning point, netting Kelly one of his most substantial roles in recent years.
How Taylor Sheridan’s Loyalty Gave Kelly a Leading Role in Lioness
Those Who Wish Me Dead did not reach blockbuster status, making only $23 million worldwide, yet it was a high-profile project featuring Angelina Jolie and a notable creative team. Michael Kelly’s absence from the film might have signaled the end of his connection with Taylor Sheridan, but the director’s long memory changed that narrative.
When casting for Lioness began, Sheridan’s team immediately considered Kelly for the role of Westfield. According to Kelly’s account, the promptness of that decision was striking, with Sheridan quickly finalizing his casting choice. Currently one of the leading faces on Lioness, Kelly shares the screen with Nicole Kidman, Zoe Saldaña, and Morgan Freeman, delivering performances marked by intense complexity and nuance.
Kelly, who previously appeared in acclaimed shows such as House of Cards, Jack Ryan, and The Penguin, sees this role as a milestone, reflecting how initial rejection can evolve into a defining opportunity in an actor’s career. His trajectory highlights the challenges and unpredictability within the entertainment industry, where perseverance and relationships often open new doors.
In an environment where callbacks and second chances are rare, Kelly’s experience serves as an encouraging example for actors facing setbacks, showing that disappointment can sometimes lead to unexpected success.
Comparing Cast Strengths: Lioness Versus Yellowstone
Taylor Sheridan has built a reputation for assembling strong ensembles, and his latest show, Lioness, may represent the pinnacle of his casting achievements. With Zoe Saldaña leading the charge, Nicole Kidman’s calculated CIA portrayal, and Morgan Freeman’s commanding presence, the show delivers a powerful blend of talent and gravitas. Each episode benefits from performances that elevate the espionage thriller’s tension and stakes.
While Yellowstone remains iconic, especially for Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton and Kelly Reilly’s fierce Beth Dutton, Lioness shifts Sheridan’s focus from rugged country drama to the high-stakes world of global intelligence. Michael Kelly’s role as a strategic and enigmatic figure complements the cast’s dynamic, creating engaging interactions that captivate viewers. His scenes with Kidman and Freeman, in particular, showcase the subtlety and edge Sheridan’s writing demands.
Although Yellowstone benefits from a deeply established cast and loyal following, Lioness brings a fresh intensity and sleek production values. For many viewers and critics, Sheridan’s new series marks a bold and successful expansion of his storytelling range, further solidifying his status as a visionary in modern television.
As fans continue to watch both shows—and revisit Those Who Wish Me Dead—the evolving careers of actors like Michael Kelly illustrate the unpredictable yet rewarding nature of working within Taylor Sheridan’s creative universe.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What is Angelina Jolie diagnosed with?
A. Angelina Jolie shared that she was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy last year. This condition temporarily paralyzes one side of the face due to nerve damage. It caused one side of her face to droop. Additionally, she has been diagnosed with high blood pressure.
Q. Is Angelina Jolie sober?
A. Even though she had a difficult past, which director Simon West thought made her perfect for the role, Jolie’s acting in “Tomb Raider” was a huge hit. Since then, Jolie has stopped using drugs and alcohol, focusing her efforts on doing charity work.
Q. What diagnosis does Angelina Jolie have?
A. In the 1990s, doctors diagnosed Angelina Jolie with Borderline Personality Disorder. During her younger years, she struggled with self-harm and unstable relationships. She also faced issues like uncertainty about her sexuality and eating disorders as she grew up.
