Sam Elliott Hated Yellowstone but Signed on for 1883 Anyway

Even though Sam Elliott publicly called the flagship series a "cowboy soap opera," Taylor Sheridan still talked him into joining the prequel.

Sheridan told Howard Stern that when he approached Elliott, the actor said, "I don't like that 'Yellowstone.'" According to the creator, he assured Elliott he didn't want him for that show, but for a different story about a former Union captain leading a wagon train westward.

Per TVLine, Sheridan pitched the idea for what would become Shea Brennan's role in "1883." Elliott reportedly loved the pitch and signed on. The actor later told Taste of Country that he felt "1883" stood alone and was tainted by its connection to the original series.

The experience on "1883" turned Elliott around on Sheridan's work, leading to his casting in Sheridan's oil drama "Landman." Elliott now plays T.L. Norris on that show and has told the Television Academy he's committed through a potential fourth season, though Paramount has only officially renewed it for a third.