Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan is expanding his already impressive roster of projects with an adaptation of Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History. According to Deadline, Sheridan will take on the roles of writer and director for this endeavor, in addition to producing alongside Jenny Wood under his Bosque Ranch banner. The rights to Empire of the Summer Moon were fiercely contested, but Sheridan and Bosque Ranch emerged as the victors.
Empire of the Summer Moon, written by historian and journalist S.C. Gwynne, is a New York Times Bestseller and Pulitzer Prize finalist that chronicles the tumultuous relationship between the Comanche tribe and white settlers in the American West over four decades. Sheridan has long been fascinated by the book's contents, which are divided into two parts.
The first part delves into the astounding ascent and eventual decline of the Comanche empire. This tribe distinguished itself through their remarkable horsemanship, hunting skills, and prowess in battles, making them the most influential Native American tribe in American history. The second part of the book focuses on the captivating story of Cynthia Ann Parker, who was abducted as a child by the Comanches and raised within their society. Her son, Quanah, rose to become the tribe's final and most esteemed Chief.
Interestingly, Sheridan's recent acquisition of the renowned 6666 Ranch, also known as Four Sixes Ranch, holds a special connection to Quanah Parker. The founder of the ranch possessed several artifacts tied to the Comanche chief. To this day, antlers from a deer hunted by a Comanche warrior are proudly displayed in the ranch's main living room, embedded within the stone fireplace.
Renowned historian and author S.C. Gwynne expressed his enthusiasm for Taylor Sheridan's involvement in bringing Empire of the Summer Moon to the screen. Gwynne believes that Sheridan's deep and nuanced understanding of the Old West, both in terms of its myths and realities, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this project.
While it remains unclear whether Empire of the Summer Moon will be adapted as a series or a film, considering Sheridan's increasing involvement in episodic storytelling, it wouldn't be surprising if the tale of the Comanches and Quanah Parker unfolds across multiple parts.
Taylor Sheridan has solidified his status as a television powerhouse in recent years. His mega-hit series, Yellowstone, premiered in 2018 and has since spawned two prequel series, with three additional spinoffs currently in development: 6666, 1944, and 2024. However, Yellowstone will soon come to a close this November as filming for its highly anticipated final episodes commences this Spring. But Sheridan's television ambitions don't end there.
Another upcoming project in Sheridan's pipeline is Land Man, which is based on the 11-part podcast Boomtown. Starring the illustrious Billy Bob Thornton, this show will center around Texas' oil and gas industry. While a release date has yet to be announced, fans are eagerly anticipating this new offering.
In addition to Yellowstone and Land Man, Sheridan is also attached to five other ongoing projects. These include 1923, featuring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren; Lioness, based on a real-life CIA program; Lawman: Bass Reeves, with David Oyelowo portraying the eponymous character who rises from enslavement to become one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi; Mayor of Kingstown, a crime drama led by Jeremy Renner; and Tulsa King, where Sylvester Stallone portrays a Mafia capo dispatched to Tulsa, Oklahoma, following his release from prison.
As of now, no specific details have been revealed regarding the production timeline for Empire of the Summer Moon. However, with Taylor Sheridan at the helm, audiences can anticipate a gripping and authentic portrayal of the captivating clash between the Comanche tribe and white settlers in the American West.
