Taylor Sheridan Says Los Angeles Is ‘Built on Sand’ When Asked If He’d Return to Film His Shows

**Taylor Sheridan Shuns Hollywood in Favour of Texas Film Studio**

In a striking departure from traditional filmmaking practices, acclaimed creator Taylor Sheridan has voiced his intentions to steer clear of Los Angeles, describing the city as “built on sand.” Instead, he finds greater strength in New York City’s resilience and has established a significant foothold in Texas with his newly opened 450,000-square-foot film studio.

During a candid interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast on June 28, 2026, Sheridan made his feelings about L.A. clear. When asked about the possibility of returning to the city for work, the 56-year-old filmmaker quipped, “The only way you’re getting me back to Los Angeles is if it secedes from the union and I’m drafted into the Army to take it back.” His comments reflect a growing discontent with the current state of Hollywood and its perceived instability.

Sheridan, well-known for his successful series including *Yellowstone* and *1883*, expressed admiration for New York, insisting it possesses a fortitude amid shifting political climates. He remarked, “I love New York. That city’s way, way stronger than whatever political wind is blowing it in any direction.” His preference comes in stark contrast to the instability he attributes to Los Angeles.

In the same podcast episode, Sheridan addressed criticism regarding his depiction of Demi Moore’s character in his latest series, *Landman*. Critics had accused him of not fully developing the role. Sheridan revealed that he had anticipated criticism, stating he informed Moore that she would essentially be an extra in the first season, leading to inevitable backlash. “I could have given them more episodes so they could have realised that flip, but I didn’t. I just sent them the first three. Because f— ’em, honestly,” he explained, showing a disregard for critics’ opinions.

Sheridan’s no-nonsense approach extends beyond character development; he has also expressed extensive criticism of the Hollywood production process as a whole. Reflecting on his experiences at Paramount, he disclosed that the development department was dissolved after he refused to engage with its members. “There were all these people whose job was to sit there and give me notes and tell me what to do and how to do it, and after four years, they got rid of that department,” he recounted. His apparent disdain for bureaucracy in Hollywood indicates a desire for more creative freedom in his projects.

The writer-director coupled these reflections with a broader commentary on awards and recognition in the industry. He emphasised that winning Emmys is not his ultimate goal. “You’re not going to win no Emmys with me, but I’m not trying to win Emmys,” he stated. Instead, he aims to evoke emotions in viewers, challenging them to think, laugh, and feel through his work.

One of the cornerstones of Sheridan’s ambitious vision is SGS Studios, established in Fort Worth, Texas, where he aims to re-establish the independent spirit of filmmaking. He described his studio as a space not only for filming but also for fostering a community that values storytelling. In a statement to *The Dallas Morning News*, Sheridan noted that Texas provides “the space to dream big, the freedom to build fast, and a community that still believes storytelling matters.”

With plans for future projects firmly rooted in Texas, Sheridan’s move signifies a potential shift in the filmmaking landscape. By investing in his own production studio, he hopes to attract other creatives and contribute to a burgeoning film industry outside of the traditional Hollywood sphere. The establishment of SGS Studios illustrates a commitment to reclaiming independence and authenticity in storytelling, offering an intriguing alternative to the conventional approach dictated by Los Angeles.

As Sheridan continues to assert his distinctive voice in the industry, his choices and statements resonate with many who share his frustrations with Hollywood’s evolving landscape. His journey underscores a growing movement towards alternative filmmaking hubs that prioritise creativity and community over industry standards, showcasing the potential for new narratives to emerge outside of the well-trodden paths of Los Angeles.