Ten years after their collaboration on the acclaimed neo-Western film Hell or High Water, director David Mackenzie opened up about a potential reunion with Taylor Sheridan, the creator behind Yellowstone, during an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The mention of this possibility sparked interest among fans of Taylor Sheridan Hell or High Water and the broader Western genre revival. Sheridan’s influence in modern Western storytelling, especially through streaming platforms, continues to grow, making any partnership with Mackenzie notably significant.
Background on Sheridan’s Rise and the Success of Hell or High Water
Before Taylor Sheridan became a powerhouse in streaming with his Paramount+ series Yellowstone—featuring Kevin Costner—he had already left his mark on the modern Western genre. Hell or High Water, released in 2016, was Sheridan’s breakthrough screenplay as a writer, although he did not direct it. The film achieved moderate box office success with $37.9 million grossed against a $12 million budget and earned four Oscar nominations, including one for Sheridan’s screenplay. This film established Sheridan as a fresh voice in contemporary Western narratives, combining classic genre elements with a gritty, modern approach.
David Mackenzie Reflects on Working with Sheridan and Prospects for a Reunion
At TIFF, David Mackenzie shared his thoughts on the possibility of reuniting with Taylor Sheridan in an interview with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender. While Mackenzie had not been in contact with Sheridan recently, he expressed admiration for Sheridan’s work and the script that initially brought them together.
“I don’t know! I mean, I haven’t seen Taylor for a long, long time, but I very much enjoyed working with him. When I read that script for the first time, I thought it was really wonderful. And Taylor’s done amazing stuff since.”
—David Mackenzie, Director
His words indicated that although there are no current plans for collaboration, the respect between the two filmmakers remains strong. Mackenzie’s latest project presented at TIFF, the heist film Fuze starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, Sam Worthington, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, shows his continued dedication to feature films, whereas Sheridan has become synonymous with streaming TV shows.
How Sheridan and Mackenzie’s Career Paths Have Diverged
Since Hell or High Water, Taylor Sheridan has evolved from a screenwriter into a director and showrunner with a growing portfolio that blends crime drama and Western influences. He directed Wind River in 2017 and Those Who Wish Me Dead afterward, and penned screenplays for ambitious projects like Sicario and its sequel, as well as Michael B. Jordan’s action thriller Without Remorse. Sheridan’s creation of Yellowstone was a key moment that propelled him into the spotlight, presenting an intricate look at Montana’s Dutton family amid ranching conflicts. This franchise has expanded with spinoffs like 1923, alongside several other streaming projects including Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, and Landman.
Meanwhile, David Mackenzie has maintained his focus on directing feature films, steering clear of television series. His dedication to cinema continues with recent releases, such as Fuze, which debuted at TIFF to critical anticipation. The distinct paths of Mackenzie and Sheridan illustrate their separate but equally impactful contributions to storytelling within their mediums.
The Likelihood and Nature of Future Collaborations
Given their current career directions, a renewed partnership between Mackenzie and Sheridan seems improbable, barring unusual circumstances. If the two were to join forces again, it would probably be in a television context, with Mackenzie potentially directing episodes for one of Sheridan’s expansive series. Sheridan currently appears focused on cultivating his established streaming universe, suggesting any future film projects would be ones he both writes and directs rather than involving past collaborators.
Although Hell or High Water may stand as the only direct collaboration between Mackenzie and Sheridan, its critical acclaim and enduring reputation reflect the strength of their joint efforts. The film’s success remains a highlight in both their careers and continues to influence contemporary interpretations of the Western genre.
