Native Voices Rise Against Taylor Sheridan's Creative Control in "Empire of the Summer Moon

As the buzz peaks around the adaptation of "Empire of the Summer Moon," the Native Hollywood community is voicing concern and disapproval. Taylor Sheridan, who has gained prominence for weaving Native American issues into mainstream media through shows like "Yellowstone," is now at the helm of a project chronicling the life of the iconic Comanche chief, Quanah Parker.

Jana Schmieding, a Lakota actress with a notable career including roles in "Rutherford Falls," unleashes sharp criticism at the systemic barriers faced by Native people in the entertainment industry, frustrated by the lack of opportunities afforded to Indigenous individuals in key creative roles. This sentiment underscores the broader discourse of misrepresentation and the white-centric narrative often dominating Hollywood's portrayal of Native stories.

Kiowa Gordon, starring in AMC+'s "Dark Winds," cuts to the core of the sentiment shared by many Native industry professionals, bluntly stating that Sheridan should steer clear of Indigenous territories in his storytelling. The message is clear: the time has come for Native creatives to assume command over their narratives.

Among the acclaimed shows like "Reservation Dogs," "Prey," and "Dark Winds," which have showcased the rich tapestry of Native life and culture, the question being asked is straightforward – why aren't these capable Native voices leading a project as significant as "Empire of the Summer Moon"?

Nocona Burgess, great-great-grandson of Quanah Parker, injects a personal touch to the conversation. His skepticism is palpable, alluding to a profound disconnect with S.C. Gwynne, the author of the book in question, as the Comanche viewpoint lacks a sounding board in his narrative.

Amid the clamor for more authentic representation, Mo Brings Plenty, an Oglala Lakota actor and member of the "Yellowstone" team, stands in defense of Sheridan. Brings Plenty highlights the importance of allies and acknowledges Sheridan's contributions in bringing Native issues to a broader audience. However, his supportive stance draws attention to the delicate balance between allyship and usurpation in telling Indigenous stories.

The potential for a remarkable film adaptation of "Empire of the Summer Moon" brings an opportunity – one that could be enriched by the involvement of Native talents like Comanche filmmakers Jason Asenap and producer Jhane Myers. It’s a clarion call for industry recalibration, an appeal to pass the mic, and a collective desire to finally listen to Native voices echo in their own stories.