Why a seemingly minor Yellowstone cowboy may be the missing link to Sheridan’s growing TV empire.
Taylor Sheridan’s expanding universe has already proven that no character is truly “too small” to be resurrected, reimagined, or repositioned for a future series. With Landman gearing up to become Sheridan’s next prestige drama, fans are starting to speculate which familiar faces could cross over.
One unexpected but surprisingly perfect candidate? Craig Martin, the loyal and steady ranch hand from Yellowstone.
Below, we break down why Craig is uniquely positioned to step into the world of Landman—and why he may be the franchise’s smartest crossover yet.
Craig Martin Represents Sheridan’s Favorite Archetype
Sheridan loves characters who embody quiet toughness—men defined less by long speeches and more by work ethic, grit, and loyalty.
Craig slots perfectly into that mold.
He is:
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Dependable
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Unshakeable
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Highly skilled in manual labor
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Familiar with the brutality of Western life
These traits naturally translate into the oil fields, where Landman is set and where Sheridan’s characters thrive under pressure.
From Ranch Work to the Oil Boom: A Credible Career Shift
The jump from cowboying to energy work isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. Many real-life ranch hands in Texas, Montana, and New Mexico transition to oilfield jobs for one reason: opportunity and income.
Landman explores that world—a high-risk, high-reward ecosystem fueled by power, profit, and desperation.
Craig’s background makes him a perfect narrative vessel for:
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A working-class character entering the oil boom
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A man struggling with moral compromises
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Someone caught between survival and integrity
Sheridan thrives on stories where ordinary people collide with massive forces. Craig’s arc could expand from background player to dramatic anchor.
The Landman Crossover Could Give Craig His First Real Spotlight
Unlike Rip, Lloyd, or Colby, Craig never received a major plotline on Yellowstone.
That makes him a blank slate—a major advantage for Sheridan:
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No established baggage
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No continuity restrictions
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No fan debates about canon
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Full freedom to build his psychology from the ground up
Sheridan could transform Craig from a supporting cowboy into a central protagonist navigating the treacherous world of oil politics.
A Crossover Would Strengthen the Shared Sheridan Universe
Sheridan has already built a loose connective tissue between shows—Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Yellowstone all feel spiritually linked. But a direct character crossover would push the universe further.
Craig appearing in Landman would:
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Provide a tangible link between shows
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Reward long-time Yellowstone fans
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Expand continuity without relying on major legacy characters
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Signal Sheridan’s commitment to a broader interconnected world
He doesn’t need to dominate the narrative—just his presence would help anchor the series to Sheridan’s flagship franchise.
Fan Reception Would Be Clean, Positive, and Drama-Free
Big crossovers carry expectations and controversy.
But Craig Martin?
Fans like him, know him, but don’t have heavily polarized opinions about him.
That makes him the safest, cleanest crossover choice Sheridan could make.
He brings recognition without the baggage of character wars, shipping debates, or timeline conflicts.
A Small Character With Big Potential
Craig Martin may not be one of the Duttons. He may not lead the bunkhouse.
But in Sheridan’s world, those are the characters who often become the most compelling—the quiet workers whose stories haven’t been told yet.
With Landman positioned to explore the volatile clash between everyday workers and billion-dollar empires, Craig could be the perfect bridge between two corners of Sheridan’s universe.
And if Sheridan wants a grounded, authentic, blue-collar heart for the new series, Craig Martin is already waiting in the wings.
