Taylor Sheridan Accused of Doing 1 Appalling Thing in 1923 Season 2 to Increase His Profits
Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone series received immense love and praise since its debut. The show’s success expanded the Western saga into a full-fledged franchise, with 1923 Season 2 being its latest offering for fans.
However, despite the overwhelming response, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction, particularly regarding the show’s filming locations. Sheridan, known for using his own ranches in production, sparked debate after 1923 Season 2 moved its filming location to Texas.
The shift has led to speculation that Sheridan is profiting by using his personal ranches, potentially resulting in extended and unnecessary plotlines. So, what’s really going on behind the scenes of the hit western series?
The conspiracy theory surrounding Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 Season 2
Since its premiere, 1923 Season 2 has been a hot topic among fans eager to see what’s next for Jacob and Cara Dutton as they navigate life on their Montana ranch.
However, while the first season of the series was filmed in Montana, the same isn’t true for the recently released Season 2.
A 2024 report from Austin Business Journal revealed that the series moved its production to ATX Film Studios in South Austin, Texas, after losing the Butte Civic Center sound stage due to delays caused by the dual WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, according to Screen Rant.
However, the shift has sparked a conspiracy theory among fans, suggesting that creator Taylor Sheridan is using his own ranches and charging Paramount for their use.
One Reddit user shared their speculations, saying, “In consequence, there are all these (boring) plots taking place there and dragging out the entire damn season.”
They further argued,
He did the same thing with Yellowstone in Seasons 4 and 5, which is when the precipitous decline in that fine series occurred too — Here again, we’re getting Texas filler… just so Sheridan can prolong the entire Texas shoot/filming and line his own pockets. It’s so gauche.
They also question whether any significant filming took place in Montana for the current season, noting the mountains seen on the screen don’t match the Bitterroot Mountains (as seen in Yellowstone).
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“I’m starting to think the mountains and the ranch in winter, minus a few shots, are all CGI,” the Reddit user said, expressing their frustration with the filler content, cost-cutting, and a perceived decline in visual authenticity, all allegedly for Sheridan’s personal gain.
Why did 1923 Season 2 move filming from Montana to Texas?
Last summer, it was revealed that 1923, led by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, had moved its filming location from Montana to Texas for its second season.
However, the decision wasn’t solely due to logistical issues, the production also benefited from more favorable tax incentives in Texas. Despite Montana’s integral role in the franchise, the financial advantages of filming in Texas played a significant part in the move.
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J.P. Gallagher, Chief Executive of Butte-Silver Bow County, discussed the decision in an interview with the Montana Standard, stating,
We were in talks with the production about 1923 coming back to Butte because of the positive experience they had here, but state tax incentive programs were a major factor for the production to move to Texas.
Despite the shift, the show later returned to Montana, reportedly in October 2024. While most filming took place in Austin, Texas, production briefly moved back to Butte, Montana, as per NBC Montana.
Did Taylor Sheridan use his own ranches for 1923 Season 2?
Taylor Sheridan is known for using his own ranches in the production of Yellowstone and its spin-offs, sparking discussions about a potential “spending scandal” within the franchise.
Reports indicate that Sheridan has filmed on his Texas properties, including the Four Sixes Ranch and Bosque Ranch. As per The Wall Street Journal, he has charged Paramount up to $50,000 per week to use these locations.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that 1923 episodes can cost up to $22 million each, but Paramount and 101 Studios executives have no issues with the arrangement. “Taylor’s shows are among our most successful and profitable,” a Paramount spokesperson said.
However, there is no substantial information that 1923 Season 2 was filmed on one of Sheridan’s ranches. While the show’s high production costs have reportedly raised concerns among executives, the alleged decline in quality and the conspiracy theories surrounding its production remain speculative.
