Taylor Sheridan, creator of the Yellowstone franchise, revealed that he personally advocated for Isabel May to be cast in the Yellowstone spinoff 1883 before he had begun writing the series. Known for her role as Veronica Duncan in Young Sheldon, May plays Elsa Dutton, the daughter of James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill), in this Western drama set in the post-Civil War American West. Sheridan’s early casting decision reflects his unique approach to developing his “Western Universe” projects.
Cast First, Write Later: Sheridan’s Innovative Storytelling Technique
Traditional Hollywood practices usually require a completed script before casting actors, but Taylor Sheridan flips this process, preferring to secure actors before writing their characters. Sheridan believes this method allows for clearer and more focused storytelling, as he can tailor the narrative around the unique qualities an actor brings.
I found Isabel May when I read her for Mayor of Kingstown,
Sheridan said in an interview with Deadline.
Paramount made a deal at my request with Isabel before a word had ever been written,
he added, explaining how having the actor in mind influences his writing.
By casting before writing, Sheridan ensures that each character’s voice and development feel authentic. This approach was not only applied to 1883 but also to other projects like 1923, where he cast industry icons Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren without a completed script. Similarly, Sheridan approached Billy Bob Thornton for the series Landman with the story idea already shaped around him.
I reached out to Billy and said, I have a world I want to drag you through. I told him the world. He said, Great. We made a deal and I wrote it for him,
Sheridan explained, underscoring how knowing the actor beforehand gives him better control over tone and depth.
The Impact of Sheridan’s Method on Yellowstone’s Success and Expansion
Since its debut in 2018, Yellowstone has become a significant force in television, revitalizing the Western genre with its gripping narrative and deeply complex characters. Sheridan’s actor-first technique has played a crucial role in shaping the series‘ authentic and compelling world.
The method has enabled Sheridan to build a sprawling storytelling universe, combining themes of loyalty, legacy, and survival, which have captivated audiences and created strong emotional connections. This expansive vision now extends into multiple upcoming series, including The Madison, Y: Marshals, and 6666, further growing the franchise.
Beyond Yellowstone alone, Sheridan’s approach has helped establish hit shows such as Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, and Tulsa King, solidifying his reputation as a prolific and innovative TV creator. His ability to secure top-tier talent and write tailored stories around them continues to drive his projects’ success and keeps fans eager for future installments.
Availability and Where to Watch
Yellowstone is available for streaming on Peacock in the United States, while 1883 can be viewed on Paramount+. Fans looking to explore the origins of the Dutton family and the rugged challenges they face in the post-Civil War era can watch Elsa Dutton’s journey through the American West in 1883 on Paramount+.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Taylor Sheridan quit acting?
A. The actor, who was about to become a parent for the first time, explained that starting a family heavily influenced his choice to change careers.
Q. Does Taylor Sheridan have a degree?
A. During the spring graduation, TCU gave Sheridan an honorary Doctor of Letters degree. This was to honor his important work in arts, Texas films, Fort Worth, and TCU.
Q. Why did Taylor Sheridan stop acting?
A. When talking about his work on the Yellowstone prequel, 1883, Sheridan told Deadline he was paid less than other actors. This pay wasn’t enough for him to leave his side job, making it difficult to continue acting on the show. Feeling unappreciated, he chose to stop acting and concentrate on writing instead.
Q. Why is Taylor Sheridan so rich?
A. Although he always cherished his independence and preferred freelancing over being tied to one company, Sheridan chose to extend his contract with Paramount Global. This agreement reportedly earned him $200 million, a fortunate amount during this time.
