Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan revealed why he championed actress Isabel May for a major role in his Western Universe.

Taylor Sheridan requested Paramount for the casting of Isabel May in the Yellowstone spinoff 1883, even before he had started writing the show. Created by Sheridan himself, 1883 is a prequel to the flagship series, Yellowstone. May is known for playing Veronica Duncan in Young Sheldon.

Set in the post-Civil War era, the show traces the Dutton family’s treacherous journey across the American West as they search for a new beginning, eventually leading to the founding of the Yellowstone Ranch in Montana. Isabel May stars as Elsa Dutton, the young daughter of James (Tim McGraw) and Margaret Dutton (Faith Hill) in 1883.

In a recent interview, Sheridan revealed that he had cast the actress before he even conceptualized her character for the show. “I found Isabel May when I read her for Mayor of Kingstown,” he told Deadline.“Paramount made a deal at my request with Isabel before a word had ever been written,” Sheridan shared while reflecting on the unique method for his storytelling.

Taylor Sheridan’s Unconventional Casting and Writing Method

In Hollywood, the typical formula is simple: write the script, then find the actors. But for Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, that process is reversed, and deliberately so. Sheridan has made it clear that he prefers to cast first and write later, building his characters around specific actors whose voices and presence inspire the narrative itself.

“1883 really changed the way I do this,” he told Deadline in a recent interview, explaining that having an actor in mind allows him to tailor the story with a clearer voice and purpose.

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“For me as a writer, it is better to know exactly who I’m writing for, as opposed to writing a script and then going out and seeing who’s available and who sparks to it,” he shared before expressing his belief that following the traditional method risks compromising the story.

This casting-first philosophy didn’t limit to 1883 only for Sheridan. He has applied the same instinct-driven strategy with 1923, casting acting legends Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren without a finished script. He also revealed that he followed the same process with Billy Bob Thornton when it came to Landman.

“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 revealed, further emphasizing that knowing the actor in advance helps him shape the voice, tone, and depth of the character and story more authentically.

How Taylor Sheridan’s Distinct Approach Shaped the Yellowstone Franchise

Since its release in 2018, Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has become a cultural force, laying the foundation for one of the most successful franchises on modern television. The show is also credited with reviving the Western genre at a time when it was fading from mainstream TV with its gripping stories, morally complex characters, and spectacular cinematography.

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Though Sheridan’s actor-first, script-later approach is unconventional by Hollywood standards, it has undoubtedly worked very well and has paid off. However, it wasn’t just storytelling; it was world-building, layered with legacy, loyalty, and survival. And it resulted in a series that not only entertained but compelled the audience to invest in an expanding timeline.

His bold and strategic method also gave Sheridan the freedom to secure industry legends like Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. And his vision continues to expand the Yellowstone franchise with more upcoming shows like The Madison, Y: Marshals, 6666, and many others.

Not just Yellowstone, shows like Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness, and Tulsa King have cemented Taylor Sheridan as one of the most prolific creators in television today. With multiple hits and several upcoming projects under his belt, what began as a single series has evolved into a full-blown storytelling universe. Fans remain eager for what’s next.