Arielle Kebbel opens up about working in the ‘Yellowstone’ world without meeting Taylor Sheridan

Arielle Kebbel opened up about working within the expansive Yellowstone universe and revealed that she has yet to meet its creator, Taylor Sheridan.

Speaking exclusively to People, the Marshals star joked that Sheridan remains something of a mystery figure behind the scenes of the hit franchise.

“It’s funny. I was talking with some of the cast of his other shows, and at least in my experience, Taylor’s like the man behind the curtain,” Kebbel, 41, said. “No one ever sees him.”

Despite never crossing paths with the prolific writer-producer, Kebbel stressed there is no distance in admiration. 

Sheridan, 55, continues to juggle multiple projects across television and film, with several releases expected this year. “The man is busy,” she added with a laugh. “So I actually have not met him.”

Kebbel stars in Marshals, the latest series connected to the Yellowstone universe, which follows Luke Grimes’ character Kayce Dutton in a new chapter of the franchise. 

The actress noted that while Sheridan serves as executive producer, the show has also been shaped heavily by creator Spencer Hudnut.

“For our show, it’s a bit of a different story,” she explained. “It’s truly a hybrid of the Yellowstone universe, with Taylor’s blessing and Taylor executive producing and 101 Studios behind us. But Spencer Hudnut has worked really hard to bring this world to life.”

She also highlighted the production’s commitment to authenticity, including training alongside real military personnel.

“We have real Navy SEALs on set with us, training us,” Kebbel said.

Kebbel added that Marshals balances familiarity with new storytelling, bringing back original Yellowstone cast members while introducing fresh characters.

“That’s why I say we’re so lucky we had so many of the original cast come with us,” she said, citing returning stars like Brecken Merrill, Gil Birmingham, and Mo Brings Plenty. “It helps keep things familiar in that world while bringing in these new characters.”

A longtime fan of Westerns, Kebbel said joining the franchise felt like a full-circle moment.

“Growing up, I loved watching Westerns with my family,” she shared. “When Yellowstone came around, there was nothing like it. I fell in love with the universe.”

She added that Sheridan’s broader body of work continues to impress her, including Lioness and The Madison.