Native American Star Hates Taylor Sheridan’s New Project in Advance: ‘It’s Our Story’

Taylor Sheridan sure loves the good old days of the Wild West. The Yellowstone creator loves cowboys, Native tribes, the Civil War, and everything else about that era, and whenever he plans a new project, you bet it’s set in the Wild West days (unless it’s Special Ops: Lioness, but we don’t talk about that show).

Recently, Sheridan won a bidding to adapt S.C. Gwynne’s book about the Comanche tribe, Empire of the Summer Moon, to the screen… And it’s already controversial.

Sheridan Slammed for Adapting Native Story

Taylor Sheridan has long been a source of annoyance for many in the Native Hollywood: the director’s main sin is that he doesn’t hire Natives in key roles and relies on his vision of their story. Of course, as the Yellowstone creator is preparing to tackle the Comanches’ history, it’s the same problem all over again.

“[When I heard about Sheridan’s plans,] I rolled my eyes so hard, they almost popped out of my face. It’s laughable that he continues to think that he’s the right person for this job. He shoots on his own ranch, and he uses his own horses. You know, he’s really making a dime off of our stories. Why are we letting this happen? <...> It’s problematic on so many levels,” Lakota actress Jana Schmieding told Yahoo.

Schmieding is not alone in her judgment as many Native stars have spoken out against Sheridan’s upcoming movie. However, there’s an opposite point of view.

Some Native Stars Support Sheridan’s Idea

Despite the anti-Sheridan attitude being relatively common in the Native Hollywood, not all Native stars are against the Yellowstone creator. Those who have worked with him don’t hate Sheridan at all. Ogalala Lakota actor Mo Brings Plenty has been part of Yellowstone for years, and he’s convinced that Sheridan is the man for the job.

“I trust Taylor deeply, and I know that [the Comanches’] story, their culture, and their language is in great hands. <...> When people condemn Taylor Sheridan, I kind of take offense. I’m hurt by it, because I don't like fighting with our own people. <...> I don’t care who’s doing it as long as it’s done with accuracy,” Brings Plenty said.

We’ll have to see how the story develops from here, but one thing is clear: Taylor Sheridan will not back off after having won the bidding. It’s now a matter of how he handles the backlash — and how accurately he portrays the Comanches in the film.

Source: Yahoo