Before Yellowstone made him the undisputed king of neo-Western television, and before his gritty American Frontier trilogy captivated audiences in the 2010s, Taylor Sheridan was best known as an actor on shows like Sons of Anarchy and Veronica Mars. But near the end of his acting run, Sheridan did something unexpected: he directed a horror movie. That film, Vile, was his first time behind the camera. Now, with Yellowstone wrapped up, we think Sheridan should saddle up for a return to horror—this time with his signature Western twist.
A Neo-Western Horror Crossover That Could Be Legendary
There's no question that Taylor Sheridan is Hollywood's go-to guy for modern Westerns. From Montana ranches to Texas borderlands, his stories highlight contemporary cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws. But back in 2011, Sheridan made his directorial debut with Vile, a low-budget indie horror that felt like a Saw II knockoff. While Sheridan has since distanced himself from that project—calling it a favor to a friend—the experience taught him valuable lessons about directorial vision. Now, imagine what he could do with a real budget and creative control. A neo-Western horror film, blending his love for the American frontier with genuine scares, feels like a match made in heaven.
Western horror is a rare breed. Sure, you've got John Carpenter's Vampires and Robert Rodriguez's From Dusk till Dawn, but most horror movies stick to the coasts or suburban settings. Sheridan could change that. His films like Wind River and Those Who Wish Me Dead already flirt with horror—think of the tense trailer shootout in Wind River or the river chase in Those Who Wish Me Dead. Those sequences prove he can balance character and suspense, the very heart of great horror. With a bit more genre emphasis, he could deliver something truly unique.
Picture this: modern cowboys like Rip Wheeler or Cory Lambert facing off against a supernatural threat under the vast, dark skies of Wyoming. Sheridan has the technical chops and the ability to draw powerful performances from his actors. It's almost surprising he hasn't tackled this yet. For fans of Taylor Sheridan's 'Lioness' Season 3, this would be a thrilling departure.
Why Sheridan Should Revisit Horror After Vile
Part of the reason Sheridan hasn't returned to horror might be his rocky experience with Vile. In an interview with Rotten Tomatoes, he explained that the film was a friend's project that went sideways. The friend raised a tiny budget, cast his buddies, and wrote a bad horror script. When he panicked, Sheridan stepped in to keep things on track. "I think it's generous to call me the director," Sheridan said. "It was an excellent opportunity to point a camera and learn some lessons that actually benefited me on Wind River."
Despite that rough start, the experience clearly paid off. Sheridan's later work shows a masterful command of tension and atmosphere. Now, with Yellowstone in the rearview mirror, he has the freedom to explore new genres. A Western-flavored horror film could be his most daring project yet. It would also be a chance to redeem his brief, messy foray into horror—this time on his own terms.
For those who love a good scare, Sheridan's return to horror could be as exciting as Adam Scott's R-Rated Horror Hit 'Hokum' or the long-awaited 'Alien: Isolation 2' Trailer. The potential is enormous.
So, Taylor, if you're reading this: give us a neo-Western horror. The Dutton ranch may be quiet, but the genre is wide open. It's time to ride again.
