S.C. Gwynne’s Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History is headed to the screen, with Taylor Sheridan on board to direct, Deadline reports.
Gwynne’s book, published in 2010 by Scribner, tells the story of Parker, the Comanche leader known for his role in the Red River War and for co-founding the Native American Church. A critic for Kirkus praised the book as “A welcome contribution to the history of Texas, Westward expansion and Native America.”
Sheridan, the actor known for writing the films Sicario and Hell or High Water and creating the television series Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and 1923, optioned the rights to Gwynne’s book with his production company, Bosque Ranch. He will write, produce, and direct the adaptation. Deadline did not specify whether the adaptation would be a television series or a movie.
Gwynne told Deadline he had confidence in Sheridan, saying, “I can’t think of anyone better qualified to bring Empire of the Summer Moon to the screen than Taylor Sheridan. He has a deep and nuanced understanding of both the myth and reality of the Old West. I am thrilled that he is undertaking this project.”
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
