Taylor Sheridan reportedly clashed with Paramount’s new management before he determined to go away the studio and signal an NBCUniversal deal reportedly value $1 billion.
According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, the “Yellowstone” creator, 55, had a number of disagreements with Paramount’s new CEO, David Ellison, following the company’s latest merger with Skydance Media.
Ellison — a close ally to President Donald Trump — reportedly instructed a collection tied to America’s 250th anniversary next yr, but Sheridan allegedly pushed back and said he didn’t need need to make a show “too politically charged.”
Taylor Sheridan arrives at the premiere of “Yellowstone” Season 5 in November 2022. Getty Images for Paramount
Skydance Media CEO David Ellison at the “Fountain of Youth” premiere on May 19, 2025. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP
Despite “Yellowstone” being branded a conservative show, Sheridan beforehand informed The New York Times that he was “apolitical publicly” and needed to show all sides of the political spectrum.
The Wall Street Journal’s sources also claimed that there were disputes between Sheridan and Paramount over the finances for Sheridan’s spy thriller “Special Ops: Lioness” starring Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana.
Nicole Kidman in “Lioness.” Paramount+
Kidman, 58, got pulled into the drama after Paramount allegedly solid the Oscar winner in a separate collection, “Discretion,” without consulting Sheridan. The transfer allegedly created potential scheduling conflicts for Kidman, which Sheridan took as “a lack of respect” for his initiatives.
Paramount also reportedly rejected one of Sheridan’s movie scripts, which further splintered their relationship.
Taylor Sheridan and Nicole Kidman attend the amfAR Dallas Gala on October 4. Getty Images for amfAR
The Post has reached out to Paramount, Sheridan and Kidman for remark.
The Hollywood Reporter also provided insight into Sheridan’s exit from Paramount, claiming that Ellison, president Jeff Shell and Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein flew to Texas after the Skydance/Paramount merger was finalized in August to persuade Sheridan he was “in good hands” with the new management.
“They thought the meeting went well,” THR said.
Taylor Sheridan in “Yellowstone” Season 5. Paramount Network
Taylor Sheridan at Day 3 of the 2023 Stagecoach Festival. Getty Images for Stagecoach
But according to the outlet, Sheridan was “frustrated” with the company’s movie division for rejecting a characteristic script of his titled “Capture the Flag.”
Regarding the Kidman drama, a source informed THR that Paramount deliberate to converse with Sheridan about her being solid in another show, but Sheridan discovered out about the information beforehand during a dinner with the actress.
Zoe Saldana, Nicole Kidman in “Lioness.” Paramount+
Sheridan and a crew of Paramount executives ended up having a assembly that did not finish in an settlement to proceed the partnership.
“It wasn’t a bad meeting,” a source close to Sheridan informed THR. “They should’ve come with three people — Ellison and two others and then sat down and really tried to connect with Taylor. That would’ve meant a lot.”
Another source claimed Ellison, 42, didn’t like Sheridan’s controlling natural.”
“Ellison wants to run the show and he can’t with Sheridan there,” the insider acknowledged.
Taylor Sheridan attends amfAR Dallas Gala in Texas. Getty Images for amfAR
Both WSJ and THR reported that Sheridan’s five-year contract with NBCUniversal is value $1 billion. The deal permits him to begin making films for NBCU in 2026 and reveals in 2029.
Sheridan’s contract with Paramount ends in 2028.
Taylor Sheridan arrives to the Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga struggle in Las Vegas in Sept. 2024. Getty Images
Under the CBS flagship company, Sheridan created “Yellowstone,” the spinoffs “1923″ and “1883,” and other hit reveals including “Lioness,” Tulsa King,” “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Landman.”
Paramount still owns the work that Sheridan created for it, so reveals such as “Tulsa King” will not migrate over to NBC, and neither will future reveals in the “Yellowstone” world such as the rumored “6666” ranch spinoff.
