Taylor Sheridan’s expanding universe of neo-Western dramas—most notably Yellowstone and Landman—currently unfolds in separate worlds, yet a Taylor Sheridan crossover character might be the solution that draws these two series together. With Sheridan’s reputation for vivid characters and intricate plots, speculation is growing about how and why a crossover could happen as Landman develops.
The Possibility of Bridging Two Sheridan Worlds
As it stands, Yellowstone and Landman have no narrative overlap, even though they both carry Sheridan’s signature style and take place in contemporary America. Yellowstone, which established Sheridan as a leading force in television Westerns since its debut in 2018, is already the foundation for numerous spinoff series. Meanwhile, Landman, set to premiere in November 2024, is based on real events from the last Texas oil boom but takes a present-day approach. If a Taylor Sheridan crossover character were to appear, it would raise Landman’s profile and create a meaningful connection to the acclaimed Yellowstone universe.
Crossovers are familiar territory for Yellowstone fans, given the show’s many links to spinoffs and its tendency to bring back even minor figures from earlier seasons. Sheridan’s newest project, Landman, could benefit from similar narrative bridges—particularly if a supporting Yellowstone figure like Craig Martin was integrated into the storyline, connecting Montana and Texas in a way that suits both series’ themes and tensions.
Craig Martin—A Subtle But Strategic Choice for Crossover
Yellowstone’s inaugural episode introduces oil executive Craig Martin, played by Christopher May, the founder and CEO of drilling company IL Energy. Although Martin’s presence in the Yellowstone storyline is brief, it’s key to Beth Dutton’s unforgettable debut, as she leverages her position at Schwartz & Meyer to orchestrate a hostile takeover of Martin’s company. The impact on Martin is substantial—he’s forced to sell out, a blow that removes him from his role in Montana’s oil industry.
This plot detail, while minor in Yellowstone’s overall saga, provides an opening for a crossover. With Martin no longer tied up as CEO at IL Energy, his character could exit Montana and re-enter the oil business elsewhere. Given Landman’s focus on oil drilling and the corporate world in Texas, it would be entirely feasible for Martin to pursue new opportunities and cross paths with key Landman figures such as Tommy Norris, played by Billy Bob Thornton.
Integrating Craig Martin Into Landman’s Narrative
Landman draws inspiration from Texas’s storied past and present in the oil industry, aligning perfectly with a character like Craig Martin. The shared time setting with Yellowstone means that Martin could plausibly leave behind the corporate wars of Montana to recommence his work in the oil fields of Texas.
Yellowstone also lays groundwork for characters moving into Texas. In the current storyline, Rip Wheeler, John Dutton’s trusted right-hand man, spends time in Texas on ranch business and is expected to deepen his connections to the state in upcoming spinoffs alongside Beth Dutton. Should a Yellowstone crossover character appear in Landman, it would make sense for the encounter to happen on the oilfields or within the high-stakes boardrooms of Texas. Craig Martin’s previous interactions with Beth—marked by tension and rivalry—could fuel drama if their paths crossed again, or if Martin emerged as an adversary for Landman’s Texas-based protagonists.
The Yellowstone IL Energy Storyline Paves the Way
Beth Dutton’s forced buyout of IL Energy is one of the standout moments early in Yellowstone, showcasing her aggressive strategies at Schwartz & Meyer. The aftermath for Craig Martin is decisive; stripped of his leadership role, he is left searching for his next move. This exit is a natural stepping stone, freeing up Martin’s character to relocate, perhaps drawn to Texas by the promise of untapped opportunities or new ventures tied to the Texas oil boom that forms Landman’s backdrop.
Martin’s experience and ambition could put him in direct competition or partnership with Tommy Norris and other influential figures within Landman. Such a crossover would offer the audience a familiar face and provide Landman with added depth through established Yellowstone lore. As Yellowstone continues to explore connections beyond Montana, Craig Martin stands out as an ideal choice to glue Sheridan’s worlds together without forcing the narrative.
The Broader Impact of a Sheridan Crossover
Introducing a Taylor Sheridan crossover character like Craig Martin could energize Landman while simultaneously rewarding dedicated Yellowstone viewers. Both series are grounded in character-driven drama and regional tension, making the possibility of a crossover not only logical but potentially game-changing. With Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of Tommy Norris and the setting of Landman squarely placed in Texas, the stage is set for a story that blends the best of both Sheridan shows.
Such a move would likely raise Landman’s profile, giving the show instant credibility and drawing in fans of the broader Yellowstone universe. At the same time, it would highlight Taylor Sheridan’s unique ability to build interconnected stories that reflect the evolving dynamics of American industry and power.
For now, Yellowstone and Landman exist as separate entities, but with Sheridan’s track record for surprise narrative turns and sustained fan interest, the appearance of a Taylor Sheridan crossover character like Craig Martin remains not just possible, but eagerly anticipated.
