It is an undeniable fact that Taylor Sheridan has given his fans some of the best western experiences of all time that continue to delight their audiences time and time again. His exceptional skills as a director and producer are one thing, but he is also enormously praised for the exceptional storylines he develops for his projects, as can be seen in his works.
However, it was precisely this brilliant writing talent that attracted actor Kevin Costner to join his western production. Yellowstone lore, as the John Dutton actor himself admitted in a candid turn of events. And Costner’s choice is only understandable enough, especially considering why the showrunner’s three highest-rated films of all time are so famous and beloved by fans.
Kevin Costner was understandably attracted to Taylor Sheridan’s script
Although Costner has now finally left the successful western, the real reason why he originally took part is quite understandable. According to what the actor himself said, the only thing that really motivated him to take part was Yellowstone was the thoroughly ingenious script that the mastermind showrunner developed for it.
In an interview with Scott Feinberg of the Hollywood Reporter, which Yellowstone shared on YouTube, Dances with wolves The actor spoke openly about it and said:
Well, it just starts with writing. I sound like a broken record, but that’s where it starts for me.
There’s no denying that Costner was really impressed with Sheridan’s script, which led to him agreeing to do the show. This is understandable considering the record Sheridan has set.
As fans already know, Taylor Sheridan has achieved great success as a writer in addition to his outstanding performance as a director and showrunner. The best examples of this are the mastermind’s three highest-rated films, including his 2015, 2016 and 2017 projects, all of which were released before the Dutton family saga.
First of all, 2015 is Sicario. Needless to say, the plot alone of this epic mystery crime drama was so gripping and popular that it earned a whopping 92% from critics and 85% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. Not to mention the numerous awards Sheridan was nominated for for his incredible screenplay.
Then there is 2016 Hell or high waterwhich holds an even more impressive record as it was written by Sheridan himself. On Rotten Tomatoes alone, the western action film has an incredible 97% approval rating from critics and 88% from audiences. More stars are added to the mix as Sheridan received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay for the same film.
Last but not least: Wind River. This 2017 thriller crime thriller has an impressive 87% rating with critics on Rotten Tomatoes and an even more iconic 90% rating with audiences worldwide. In addition to this commendable critics’ score, Sheridan also walked away with a win and two nominations at the Cannes Film Festival this year, further justifying his record.
All in all, these three highest-rated films from the 54-year-old genius are the perfect explanation for why Costner joined the series, primarily because of the script written by Sheridan.
And then there’s Luke Grimes himself, who admitted that it was actually Sheridan’s previous projects that made him agree to do this western series as well, so there’s that too.
Luke Grimes said yes to Yellowstone Based on Taylor Sheridan’s previous work
While Kevin Costner admitted in the same interview that it was the script that won him over, Grimes went on to share what immediately made him consider joining Sheridan’s superhit drama. He said:
You know, the agent says there’s a script, it’s a Sheridan script. At that point I had seen Sicario and Hell or High Water and I really liked both of them. So I was immediately excited and already knew I would probably like it.
But that’s not all. After reading the storyline Sheridan came up with, Grimes was more impressed than ever and was just praying to get the golden ticket to the series.
He said:
I read this story and these characters, of course, and, you know, for me, especially Kayce, and I immediately fell in love with everything. And, you know, I just made a tape and started praying that I could be a part of it.
Given all this and the critical acclaim that Sheridan’s script has received, it is only understandable and justified that the 54-year-old screenwriter and director’s greatest talent is indeed writing – and precisely what fascinated Costner about his Western saga.
You can stream Yellowstone on peacock and Hell or high water, Sicario, And Wind River on Prime Video.
