“Give me Game of Thrones season six money”— When Taylor Sheridan compared Yellowstone prequels to Game of Thrones-level productions

Taylor Sheridan, creator of the Yellowstone universe, discussed the budgets needed for his prequels, such as 1883 and 1923, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, published on June 21, 2023. He emphasized the need for high investment to achieve his vision, comparing the scale and production value of his series to HBO's Game of Thrones.

“Give me Game of Thrones season six money for what is essentially a pilot every year, and that’s a big ask,” Sheridan remarked in the interview.

This statement reflected his determination to secure the resources required to authentically depict ranching landscapes and historical elements central to the Dutton family saga.

Sheridan’s neo-Western series demands period sets, special effects, and carefully crafted narratives to mirror the storytelling seen in Game of Thrones. Paramount granted him creative freedom and resources to expand the Yellowstone franchise, leading to successful spinoffs.

This approach aligns with his commitment to authenticity, such as the depiction of ranching landscapes and historical elements central to the Dutton family's saga. The Yellowstone universe has become one of Paramount's most lucrative assets, but Sheridan's push for larger budgets signals his determination to elevate these stories further.

By invoking Game of Thrones, Taylor Sheridan highlighted his goal to merge detailed storytelling of historical epics with the sensibilities of character-driven drama. This strategy underscores the franchise’s significance and reflects Sheridan’s creative vision.

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Why Taylor Sheridan made the Game of Thrones comparison

(Front Row L-R) Sebastian Roché, Harrison Ford, Jennifer Ehle, Helen Mirren, Timothy Dalton, Leenah Robinson, Caleb Martin and Darren Mann (back row L-R) Brian Geraghty, Brandon Sklenar, Amelia Rico, Julia Schlaepfer, Taylor Sheridan, Marley Shelton, Aminah Nieves, Michelle Randolph, James Badge Dale and Tim DeKay attend the "1923" Las Vegas premiere screening the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on December 03, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Image via Getty)

Taylor Sheridan’s comparison between his Yellowstone prequels and Game of Thrones arose from the challenges of achieving the scale and detail his stories demand. In the interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on June 21, 2023, Sheridan explained,

“You’re creating an entirely new world with every prequel. To do that right, you can’t cut corners, and that requires significant resources.”

Sheridan elaborated on the need for authenticity in his historical dramas like 1883 and 1923. These productions involve recreating entire eras with precision, including costumes, sets, and visual effects. He highlighted the rapid pace of filming and intense preparation required to meet deadlines without compromising quality, underscoring why substantial budgets are critical.

By drawing parallels to Game of Thrones, Taylor Sheridan emphasized the importance of storytelling and spectacle in captivating audiences. His statement reflects his confidence in the Yellowstone franchise’s ability to compete with television’s most ambitious productions and his determination to deliver high-quality narratives that resonate with viewers worldwide.

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Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequels: A closer look

Director Taylor Sheridan attends the world premiere of "1883" at Encore Beach Club at Wynn Las Vegas on December 11, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/WireImage)

Sheridan’s comparison to Game of Thrones stems from the challenges of crafting historical epics like 1883 and 1923. These series explore the Dutton family's early struggles, showcasing their fight to build and preserve their legacy. For Sheridan, creating such stories required attention to detail, from costume design to the portrayal of early American life, demanding extensive resources.

Taylor Sheridan has described his prequels as time capsules, reflecting the broader socio-economic and cultural transformations of their respective eras. This focus aligns with his philosophy of storytelling, where character depth drives plot development.

His insistence on authenticity extends beyond narrative, influencing set choices and casting decisions. For example, much of 1883 was filmed on location, with Sheridan personally overseeing elements to maintain realism.

These prequels have been instrumental in cementing Taylor Sheridan's reputation as one of television’s creators, transforming Yellowstone from a single show into a franchise. Sheridan’s partnership with Paramount has been key to this success, as the studio continues to back his vision.

Taylor Sheridan’s push for Game of Thrones-level budgets showcases his dedication to creating stories that resonate across generations. As he explores new chapters in the Yellowstone universe, his approach promises more large-scale, character-driven tales that keep fans invested in the Dutton saga.