Taylor Sheridan ‘Keeps It Very Real,’ Says “Marshals” Star Ash Santos: ‘He Cuts Through the Bulls—’ (Exclusive)

**Ash Santos Reflects on Collaborating with Taylor Sheridan on CBS’s ‘Marshals’**

Ash Santos, known for her role in CBS’s latest series ‘Marshals,’ has recently opened up about her enriching experience working alongside renowned creator Taylor Sheridan. In an interview with PEOPLE, Santos shared insights not only into her professional journey but also her admiration for Sheridan’s unique approach to directing actors.

Santos, who plays Andrea in ‘Marshals,’ the popular spinoff of the acclaimed series ‘Yellowstone,’ expressed that working with Sheridan was a long-held ambition of hers. “Lands a role on a Taylor Sheridan show had always been a big dream of mine,” she said, reflecting on her excitement about becoming part of his creative world.

The talented actress first met Sheridan prior to auditioning for ‘Marshals,’ during her preparation for another project he was overseeing. “Before that, we had only communicated over the phone,” she explained. Santos described her initial meeting with the director as pivotal, noting that it took place in the summer just before she began filming.

Santos emphasised that Sheridan’s background as an actor profoundly influences his directing style. “Because he was an actor, he really cares about the actor’s process,” she remarked, highlighting the supportive environment he fosters on set. This sentiment is echoed by a number of other actors who have collaborated with Sheridan over the years.

She further elaborated, praising Sheridan’s straightforwardness. “What I appreciate about him is that he just keeps it very real. He cuts through the nonsense,” she added. According to Santos, Sheridan offers clear guidance, making the acting process more transparent and accessible. Such praise mirrors remarks made by Nicole Kidman, who referred to him as “an incredible acting coach” during a previous event.

Santos is not alone in her admiration; Ali Larter, the star of ‘Landman,’ described Sheridan as a “provocateur” who crafts characters designed to elicit strong emotional responses. “He loves to write characters that make people respond, that initiate a reaction, a feeling,” Larter noted, further underscoring the authenticity of Sheridan’s storytelling.

While Sheridan’s creative influence is evident in ‘Marshals,’ he is not as hands-on with the series as he is with others, such as ‘Lioness’ and ‘Landman.’ The show was created by Spencer Hudnut, who according to Santos, has expertly expanded Sheridan’s universe. “It was Spencer’s idea that he pitched to Taylor,” she clarified, expressing pride in Hudnut’s achievements. “In just one season, he has managed to create his own show while staying true to the world Taylor envisioned.”

Santos also spoke to the challenges of building upon existing characters. “It’s not an easy thing to do—taking characters developed by someone else and making them your own,” she said, reinforcing her respect for Hudnut’s creative prowess.

As excitement builds for the upcoming season, ‘Marshals’ will return for its second season on 4th October on CBS, while the first season can currently be streamed on Paramount+. Fans of the series eagerly await the new instalment, as Santos and her co-stars navigate the complex narratives crafted within Sheridan’s expansive storytelling fabric.

In conclusion, Ash Santos’s experiences highlight not only her dedication to her craft but also the collaborative spirit fostered by Taylor Sheridan. With a strong supporting cast and a talented showrunner at the helm, ‘Marshals’ continues to exemplify the strength of character-driven narratives in contemporary television.