Taylor Sheridan leaving Paramount over politics, Nicole Kidman drama

Taylor Sheridan reportedly clashed with Paramount’s new leadership before he decided to leave the studio and sign an NBCUniversal deal reportedly worth $1 billion.

According to a new report from the Wall Street Journal, the “Yellowstone” creator, 55, had multiple disagreements with Paramount’s new CEO, David Ellison, following the company’s recent merger with Skydance Media.

Ellison — a close ally to President Donald Trump — reportedly suggested a series tied to America’s 250th anniversary next year, but Sheridan allegedly pushed back and said he didn’t want want to make a show “too politically charged.”

Despite “Yellowstone” being branded a conservative show, Sheridan previously told The New York Times that he was “apolitical publicly” and wanted to show all sides of the political spectrum.

The Wall Street Journal’s sources also claimed that there were disputes between Sheridan and Paramount over the budget for Sheridan’s spy thriller “Special Ops: Lioness” starring Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana.

Kidman, 58, got pulled into the drama after Paramount allegedly cast the Oscar winner in a separate series, “Discretion,” without consulting Sheridan. The move allegedly created potential scheduling conflicts for Kidman, which Sheridan took as “a lack of respect” for his projects.

Paramount also reportedly rejected one of Sheridan’s film scripts, which further splintered their partnership.

The Post has reached out to Paramount, Sheridan and Kidman for comment.

The Hollywood Reporter also offered insight into Sheridan’s exit from Paramount, claiming that Ellison, president Jeff Shell and Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein flew to Texas after the Skydance/Paramount merger was finalized in August to convince Sheridan he was “in good hands” with the new leadership.

“They thought the meeting went well,” THR said.

But according to the outlet, Sheridan was “frustrated” with the company’s film division for rejecting a feature script of his titled “Capture the Flag.”

Regarding the Kidman drama, a source told THR that Paramount planned to speak with Sheridan about her being cast in another show, but Sheridan found out about the news beforehand during a dinner with the actress.

Sheridan and a crew of Paramount executives ended up having a meeting that did not end in an agreement to continue the partnership.

 “It wasn’t a bad meeting,” a source close to Sheridan told THR. “They should’ve come with three people — Ellison and two others and then sat down and really tried to connect with Taylor. That would’ve meant a lot.”

Another source claimed Ellion didn’t like Sheridan’s controlling natural.”

“Ellison wants to run the show and he can’t with Sheridan there,” the insider stated.

Both WSJ and THR reported that Sheridan’s five-year contract with NBCUniversal is worth $1 billion. The deal allows him to start making movies for NBCU in 2026 and shows in 2029.

Sheridan’s contract with Paramount ends in 2028.

Under the CBS flagship company, Sheridan created “Yellowstone,” the spinoffs “1923″ and “1883,” and other hit shows including “Lioness,” Tulsa King,” “Mayor of Kingstown” and “Landman.”

Paramount still owns the work that Sheridan created for it, so shows such as “Tulsa King” will not migrate over to NBC, and neither will future shows in the “Yellowstone” world such as the rumored “6666” ranch spinoff.