
In addition to the scriptwriter and directors, this consideration extends to the actors as well. When Taylor Sheridan chose Kevin Costner for the character of John Dutton, it wasn’t solely based on his belief that Costner was ideal for the role, but also due to their shared passion for the Western genre. Costner, being more than just an actor, has directed numerous Westerns in the ’90s and ’00s, significantly influencing the genre for the contemporary era. Both Sheridan and Costner have a deep-rooted, decades-long affection for the genre that encompasses many films throughout cinematic history. Given his appreciation for Costner’s work within the genre, it’s likely that Sheridan enjoyed Costner’s ’90s films as much as any fan during that time. Consequently, Sheridan drew considerable inspiration from Costner’s films when creating Yellowstone, a fact evident in the numerous casting choices that echoed some of his previous roles. This approach not only explains the choice of Costner but also the casting of other actors from Costner’s films, leading to several intriguing reunions on the set of Yellowstone.