A conflict has reportedly arisen between Paramount+ and one of its top creators,Taylor Sheridan, and while this butting of heads could be disastrous for the long-running business partnership, there is one silver lining. In 2018,Sheridan rose to fame when he created the popular neo-Western TV series,Yellowstone. In the intervening years, Sheridan expanded on this universe, releasing prequels, spinoffs, and totally new Western action series. Throughout this era,Sheridan has had a firm partnership with Paramountand its streaming platform. Yet, recent news hints that this collaboration could be facing some serious obstacles.
What’s Happening With Taylor Sheridan & Paramount+? Reports Explained
What Paramount’s Budget Cuts Might Mean For Sheridan
In a report recently published byPuck,it was revealed thatParamount’s new owner, David Ellison, and its head of streaming, Cindy Holland, are looking to cut the budgetsforParamount+ TV shows. Apparently, the pair are hoping to spend $9 million per episode. For reference, Sheridan’s series usually cost between $12-16 million an episode. Because of this, Sheridan is reportedly unhappy with Ellison and Holland’s plans. With Sheridan’s deal up for renegotiation in 2027, many are wondering if these budget cuts could be a dealbreaker.
The worst-case scenario that could come out of Paramount’s plans is that Sheridan leaves the company for another streaming platform willing to spend more money on him. At this time, there are no reports of open animosity between Sheridan and Paramount, butSheridan’s dislike of the new budget cuts show that the disagreement could fester into something far worse. If Sheridan left Paramount, it would be a major blow to the streaming service. Paramount+ would lose its most lucrative titles, leaving it desperate to fill the eight-series hole that Sheridan would leave.
If Taylor Sheridan Were To Leave Paramount+, He Could Make More Movies
Sheridan’s Shows Are Great, But His Movies Deserve More Hype
Sheridan’s potential departure from Paramount would be difficult, but one positive that could come out of it is thatSheridan might pursue movies again.If Sheridan pulls out of his deal with Paramount, then he would not be beholden to making more TV seriesfor the platform. In this way, he would be free to pursue other projects that he couldn’t before, including films. Currently, Sheridan hasn’t written or directed a movie since 2021. After gaining even more success since then, it would be great to see what Sheridan would cook up in the present day.
Taylor Sheridan Wrote 2 Of The Best Neo-Westerns Ever Made Just Before Yellowstone Released
Taylor Sheridan burst onto the scene with his iconic series, Yellowstone, but long before that, he helped create two more incredible neo-Westerns.
The prospect of Sheridan making more movies is exciting because his films are deeply underrated. More often than not, audiences recognize Sheridan forYellowstoneandLandman,butin the years before he established his television empire, he was behind some truly excellent movies. In 2015 and 2016, he wrote the screenplays for hits likeSicarioandHell or High Water.Plus, in 2017, he impressed critics with his neo-Western crime drama,Wind River.Ever sinceYellowstone,Sheridan has had to take a step away from movies, but in different circumstances, he has the potential to make some really great films.
Ideally, We’d Have Taylor Sheridan Movies And TV Shows
What Sheridan Is Working On Next
Of course,the best case scenario is that audiences get both Sheridan shows and movies.It would be a shame for Sheridan’s TV series to be forgotten, especially as shows likeLionessandLandmanpick up steam. Yet, at the same time, Sheridan has been neglecting his talents as a screenwriter and movie director. In a perfect world, forgetting his issues with Paramount, Sheridan would be able to split his time between his television empire and new movies.
Fortunately, Sheridan does have some new tricks up his sleeve. Now that1923season 2 is airing, Sheridan’s next release will likely beThe Madison,aYellowstoneuniverse spinoff. Beyond that, he has also discussed a Beth and Rip spinoff series,Mayor of Kingstownseason 4, and the long-awaited6666 Ranchspinoff. However,his most exciting project may be his adaptation ofEmpire of the Summer Moon,a nonfiction book about conflicts between the Comanche and white settlers in the American West. Overall,Taylor Sheridanis not slowing down, regardless of what his future holds.
