How Taylor Sheridan Convinced ‘Yellowstone’-Hater Sam Elliott to Join His TV Universe

Sam Elliott has now been in two Taylor Sheridan-universe shows: 1883 and Landman. However, it took some convincing by the producer to lasso the iconic actor into the fold because, apparently, he was not a fan of Yellowstone at the time.

Sheridan appeared on The Howard Stern Show to promote his new book, How Not to Die in Prison: A Survival Guide, and reminisced about the creation of Landman and the introduction of Elliott in its second season.

After explaining that he now writes roles with a specific actor in mind — including with 1883 and Landman — Sheridan revealed that his initial concept for Landman was based on Billy Bob Thornton‘s performance in Bad Santa. “That’s one of the funniest characters I’ve ever seen. That’s one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen,” he remembered. “So I told [Thornton], ‘I’m going to write a drama for Bad Santa and drop him in West Texas, put him in charge of an oil company. Billy Bob, he’s like, ‘All right, bud. I’m in.'”

As for Elliott, when asked if he was surprised he agreed to join the Sheridan-verse, the megaproducer explained, “Sam, which I used him in 1883, it’s funny ’cause I called him, and we talked, and he’s like, ‘I don’t like that Yellowstone. That’s a cowboy soap opera.’ I said, ‘You’re right. I’m not asking you ot be on that. That’s the punk rock me throwing middle fingers at the industry and a lot of other sh*t. This is going to be the grown-up me. I have a story I want to tell. Here’s the story, and here’s the arc of your character.’ And I pitched it to him, and he said, ‘That’s beautiful. I’d love to do that.’ I said, ‘Great. I’m going to write it for you.'”

Sheridan then heaped praise on Elliott, saying, “He’s one of the most delightful human beings I have ever met and a wizard of an actor. You’ve got to pinch yourself sometimes when you sit there, and you see Sam Elliott saying your words. I have to pinch myself more to say that I can honestly call him a friend.”

Landman, Paramount+