Billy Bob Thornton’s Shocking Claims About Taylor Sheridan Makes Kevin Costner Feud Feel More Bitter
Billy Bob Thornton praises Taylor Sheridan’s work on Landman, making Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone feud seem even more bitter.
Following the success of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, the showrunner came up with yet another Western drama series Landman. This time starring Billy Bob Thornton in the titular role, Sheridan delivered epic and already appreciated episodes in his new series. And it seems the actor had a really great experience working with the creator.
Unlike how Kevin Costner had previously reflected on his work experience on the set of Yellowstone, Billy Bob Thornton seemed to make tall claims about his experience on Landman. Admitting to have developed a bond and mutual respect with Taylor Sheridan, Thornton’s remarks painted Costner and Sheridan’s feud in a bad light.
Billy Bob Thornton reflected on his work experience with Taylor Sheridan
Billy Bob Thornton is no stranger to the world of Western dramas. Although known for his directorial skills, the actor recently appeared in the Landman series, following his previous team-up with Taylor Sheridan in 1883. Only this time, Thornton isn’t just playing a guest role—he’s leading the series as Lt. Tommy Norris.
And now, from the way he talks about the experience, it seems like he couldn’t be happier. During an interview with Taste of Country, Billy Bob Thornton thus appeared to speak highly of Taylor Sheridan’s style of storytelling and the way he runs his sets. Describing the experience as smooth, professional, and creatively fulfilling, Thornton admitted to creating a strong bond.
I liked his style of directing. He and I are both writer-directors, and he is an actor, also, so you might think that it’s ground that is rich for conflict. But I found it really easy working with him. I think we had a mutual respect.
He does a lot of things that I do when I’m directing. I don’t really rehearse. I like to get fresh stuff off of people. And he likes to cast people sometimes that are just someone he met at the ice cream store, ‘I think this guy would make a good lawyer,’ or whatever.
Unlike many big Hollywood productions, where actors sometimes feel restricted by studio interference, Billy Bob Thornton suggested that Taylor Sheridan gave his cast the freedom to truly embrace their roles. Thereafter, praising the showrunner’s professionalism, Thornton seemingly painted a picture of a drama-free, exciting work environment.
Well, Billy Bob Thornton’s opinions seem to stand in stark contrast to what happened with Kevin Costner in Yellowstone.
Billy Bob Thornton’s remarks made Kevin Costner’s feud seem even bitter
Well, Billy Bob Thornton’s praise for Taylor Sheridan wouldn’t normally raise eyebrows, but considering the recent drama surrounding Yellowstone and Kevin Costner, his words felt like a subtle dig at the ongoing feud. According to reports from Vulture, back when Costner and Sheridan were working on the Paramount series, the duo had Hollywood’s biggest fallout that sparked controversies.
Kevin Costner had cited disagreements primarily stemming from scheduling issues and creative differences regarding storylines, prior to the release of Yellowstone finale. This sparked on-set tensions, which eventually led Costner to exit the show abruptly. Thereafter, Costner openly expressed frustration over how things played out in Yellowstone and even suggested that the show’s direction no longer aligned with his vision.
According to THR, Sheridan and Costner argued relentlessly about major storylines and even regarding John Dutton’s character execution. Eventually, the situation escalated to the point where the actor left the series altogether. So now, with Billy Bob Thornton speaking so highly of Taylor Sheridan, it seems to paint a bitter picture of Kevin Costner’s feud. It almost feels like Thornton’s remarks unintentionally made Costner’s complaints look worse.
Landman and Yellowstone are both available to watch on Paramount+.
