What It’s Really Like Working With Taylor Sheridan: Actors Reveal Their Nightmares and Triumphs

Taylor Sheridan has become one of the most influential creators in modern television, known for gritty, emotionally charged series like Yellowstone, 1883, Lioness, and Tulsa King.

His shows routinely attract Hollywood’s A-list talent, and from the outside, it seems everyone is eager to work with him. But what is it really like to work under Sheridan’s direction? Recent comments from his cast and crew reveal a more complicated picture—one filled with both admiration and frustration.

Billy Bob Thornton, who recently starred in Sheridan’s new series Landman, made headlines with his candid take on the director’s style. Thornton, a Hollywood veteran, described Sheridan as having an “incredibly specific” vision and expecting total commitment from his team. While Thornton respects Sheridan’s clarity and ambition, he also noted that the intense focus leaves little room for compromise.

Thornton shared that Sheridan can be unpredictable—sometimes deeply involved, other times absent, leaving the cast waiting for direction or even unwritten scripts. For some, this unique working rhythm is exhausting.

Not everyone finds Sheridan’s approach difficult. Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, openly praises him. Hauser credits Sheridan with helping him grow both as an actor and as a real-life horseman, saying he feels “blessed and lucky” to work with such a dedicated creator.

Morgan Freeman, who joined Sheridan’s Lioness, also spoke highly of him, calling Sheridan “prolific” and “always good.” Freeman was especially touched when Sheridan wrote a role specifically for him.

However, Sheridan’s style isn’t for everyone. Terrence Winter, acclaimed showrunner for The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, left Tulsa King after just one season due to creative differences.

Winter said that while Sheridan gave him freedom with the show, their visions didn’t always align, and it was ultimately Sylvester Stallone—not Sheridan—who guided him during production.

Behind the scenes, editor Chad Galster has enjoyed his creative partnership with Sheridan, describing their relationship as built on trust and honesty. Galster appreciates Sheridan’s willingness to experiment and his direct feedback, which some thrive on while others find challenging.

Perhaps the most publicized fallout was with Kevin Costner, Yellowstone’s lead. Costner left the series amid creative disputes and alleged scheduling delays caused by Sheridan.

Despite their clashes, Costner still respects Sheridan’s passion and discipline, even suggesting he’d consider working with him again if the right project came along.

Despite these challenges, many actors repeatedly return to Sheridan’s productions. Michelle Randolph, Kelsey Asbille, Jeremy Renner, and Gil Birmingham have all appeared in multiple Sheridan projects.

Even Billy Bob Thornton, after voicing his frustrations, continues to collaborate with him. This recurring loyalty suggests that, despite his demanding methods, Sheridan offers something unique and rewarding to his cast.

Ultimately, Taylor Sheridan’s creative process isn’t for everyone. It demands flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to his vision and schedule. But for those who can handle the intensity, working with Sheridan can be a career-defining experience—one that keeps many of Hollywood’s best coming back for more.

—