Yellowstone's Taylor Sheridan Set To Helm Historical Epic Empire Of The Summer Moon

After finding big-screen success as a writer and director, Taylor Sheridan has become one of the most well-known creatives in the world of television. His neo-Western saga "Yellowstone," which kicked off in 2018, became a small-screen sensation and quickly led to the creation of numerous spin-off titles, such as "1883" and "1923." These too have found success, bringing Sheridan more opportunities throughout the entertainment world. Now, it has come to light that his next endeavor will be the historical epic "Empire of the Summer Moon," which he will direct, write, and co-produce.

Sheridan and Bosque Ranch Productions will adapt the S.C. Gwynne book "Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History" into a feature-length film. Gwynne spoke about Sheridan taking the reins of this production, stating (via Deadline), "He has a deep and nuanced understanding of both the myth and reality of the Old West. I am thrilled that he is undertaking this project." 

At the time of this writing, the movie lacks a release date and no cast has been attached — but whoever lands the lead role will be playing an intriguing historical figure.

As the title of S.C. Gwynne's book, "Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History," implies, Taylor Sheridan's "Empire of the Summer Moon" puts the spotlight on the historical figure Quanah Parker. Born in the mid-1800s, Parker became a leader within the Comanche Native American tribe — specifically the Quahadi band — as white colonizers progressed further West into North America.

Unfortunately, his efforts to prevent them from expanding their reach and entering the northwestern region of Texas were unsuccessful. Following the conclusion of the Red River War, which saw the United States Army force several Native American tribes off their land and onto reservations, Parker settled on one such reservation in Oklahoma. From there, he became an intermediary between Native Americans and white colonizers. 

In doing so, he became recognized as the principal chief of all Comanche, stood as a strong political advocate for the tribe, and even grew his reputation to become a nationally recognized figure. He also contributed to the establishment of the Native American Church, or Peyote Religion. Parker died in 1911, having lived a full and fascinating life. Thus, it's no surprise that much of his life story is being developed into a motion picture.

"Empire of the Summer Moon" joins a handful of other notable titles on Sheridan's to-do list, with the writer-director-producer and his team hard at work on a few other projects fans of his past efforts would likely be interested in seeing. First and foremost is "6666," which is dedicated to the Four Sixes Ranch, as seen in Seasons 4 and 5 of "Yellowstone." This installment in Sheridan's "Yellowstone" franchise was announced back in February 2021, though it's unknown when exactly the series will reach the small screen. The show's cast also has yet to be announced.

Speaking of "Yellowstone" spin-off titles, Sheridan is also developing a series under the working title "2024." The program will reportedly serve as the successor to "Yellowstone" and star Matthew McConaughey. Much like "6666," it hasn't been announced when this series will be released, nor is it known who else will star. Also on Sheridan's plate are the TV series "Land Man," starring Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Michelle Randolph, and Jacob Lofland, and the film "Fast," directed by Gavin O'Connor.

With so much in the production pipeline, time will tell when moviegoers will see Taylor Sheridan's cinematic take on "Empire of the Summer Moon." Surely, for those eager to check it out, Sheridan will ensure it's worth the wait.