After Yellowstone and 1923 backlash, Taylor Sheridan’s Empire of the Summer Moon could be the bold, historical epic that saves his legacy.

Yellowstone, 1923, Taylor Sheridan

After the mess Yellowstone and 1923 left behind, Taylor Sheridan’s next move needs to hit hard and Empire of the Summer Moon might be it. Based on S.C. Gwynne’s bestselling book, the project follows the rise and fall of the Comanche Nation, with a focus on Chief Quanah Parker.

It’s got everything Sheridan needs to bounce back: history and a fresh angle far from the Dutton ranch. If he handles it right, this could be the redemption arc his career needs. However, there’s no release date as of yet.

Empire of the Summer Moon could be Taylor Sheridan’s big comeback after Yellowstone and 1923 flopped

Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone as Travis, the instructor with a shocking look
Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone | Credits: Paramount Network

Taylor Sheridan might be riding into redemption with Empire of the Summer Moon. After the horrendous endings of Yellowstone and 1923 left fans venting across Reddit threads and calling his work “rushed” and “messy,” Sheridan’s next move feels like a much-needed comeback play. And here’s the twist; it’s based on a book.

TS is adapting S.C. Gwynne’s acclaimed historical epic Empire of the Summer Moon, a brutal and sweeping account of the forty-year battle between the Comanche tribe and white settlers in the American West. It dives deep into the legacy of Quanah Parker, the tribe’s fiercest chief, and the cultural collision that reshaped the frontier.

The Sicario writer had his eye on this book for years, even before he co-owned the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, land once walked by Quanah himself. The connection runs deep. From relics on the ranch to stories of Cynthia Ann Parker (Quanah’s mother), this project has roots, passion, and historical weight.

Gwynne himself is hyped, saying (via Deadline), “I can’t think of anyone better qualified… He has a deep and nuanced understanding of both the myth and reality of the Old West.” That’s high praise and Sheridan needs it.

Reddit’s been ruthless lately, especially since 1923 stumbled to its cliffhanger finale and Yellowstone got caught in production delays and creative fallout. But fans also agree, Sheridan’s at his best when he’s telling gritty, grounded stories (Hell or High Water, anyone?).

This could be his reset button. One epic book. One iconic leader. One shot to revive the myth of Taylor Sheridan, the Western whisperer. Let’s see if Empire of the Summer Moon can do what 1923 couldn’t deliver.

Why Empire of the Summer Moon could be Taylor Sheridan’s next Western masterpiece

Creator of Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan in a cowboy outfit looking serious
Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone | Credits: Paramount Network

Taylor Sheridan’s next epic, Empire of the Summer Moon, is gearing up to tell the story of Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanche resistance like never before. Whether it lands as a movie or a series, one thing’s clear, it’s going to be bold, brutal, and beautifully Western.

Set in a 40-year timespan, the story follows Quanah, the last war chief of the Kwahadi Comanche, through a shifting era of American expansion. Unlike 1883 or Lawmen: Bass Reeves, this one centers the Comanche people, not as side notes, but as the heartbeat of the tale.

For Yellowstone fans craving multi-generational drama and Landman fans hoping for another cinematic experience, this one checks all the boxes. Sheridan’s going classic again, but this time, from a fresh and powerful perspective.

Watch 1923 on Paramount Plus & Yellowstone on Peacock now.