Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of Yellowstone, is set to direct an adaptation of S.C. Gwynne‘s book “Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History.”
Bosque Ranch got the book in a tough competition. Sheridan and Jenny Wood will produce it—a project Sheridan’s cared about for a long time since his Warner Bros days. The book tells the story of the 40-year fight between the Comanche tribe and white settlers in the American West, focusing on Quanah, their top chief.
The Comanches were tough fighters, teaching young boys to ride horses without saddles by age 6. They were so skilled with the bow and lance that they stopped Spain from moving north and blocked the French from going west. The story includes Quanah’s mom, Cynthia Ann Parker, kidnapped at 9 and a model for a character in “The Searchers.” She didn’t remember her life before the Comanches and didn’t want to leave when rescue came. Quanah and the Comanches held off the Spanish and French but struggled against settlers from the East. The Texas Rangers, armed with six guns, posed a challenge the Comanches couldn’t overcome.
In an interview, Gwynne said, “I can’t think of anyone better qualified to bring Empire of the Summer Moon to the screen than Taylor Sheridan.” Gwynne added, “He has a deep and nuanced understanding of both the myth and reality of the Old West. I am thrilled that he is undertaking this project.”
Sheridan really respects Quanah. While busy with various series for Paramount Global and 101 Studios, he spends much time at the Four Sixes ranch. He’s working on the final episodes of Yellowstone and 1923, along with other series. The Texas ranch, bought by Sheridan and his partners, has cool stuff like Quanah’s lance (now in a nearby museum). Quanah even helped pick where to build the ranch, and his deer antlers are now part of the big fireplace in the main living room.
The production will commence shortly.
