‘I haven’t stayed in touch’: Hell or High Water director… is attracting attention across the tech world. Analysts, enthusiasts, and industry observers are watching closely to see how this story develops.
This update adds another signal to a fast-moving sector where product decisions, platform changes, and competition can quickly shape the market.
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Before Taylor Sheridan hit the big time with his Yellowstone empire on CBS and Paramount+, he got his break writing the cult 2016 Western movie Hell or High Water.
Marking Sheridan’s official transition from actor to creator, the film follows two brothers ( played by Chris Pine and Ben Foster) who carry out a series of bank robberies to save their family ranch, while being pursued by two Texas Rangers (Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham).
It was the springboard for the Dutton family to be brought to life, and gifted us the likes of standalones Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Landman, and The Madison along the way.
Almost 10 years later, Hell or High Water is having a surge in popularity on US Netflix, perhaps in part due to the (frankly, outrageous) start to 2026 Sheridan is having.
So far, we’ve been treated to back-to-back runs of Landman season 2, Marshals, and The Madison, with Yellowstone spinoff Dutton Ranch due for release in May.
However, Hell or High Water director David Mackenzie, whose new Sky film Fuze hits theaters on April 3, hasn’t spoken to Sheridan in the decade since it was made. In fact, he hasn’t even seen Yellowstone, or any of its spinoffs.
“The answer is no,” Mackenzie tells me when I ask if he’s seen any of Sheridan’s TV work. “I had a really, really good time, you know, on Hell or High Water. But I haven’t stayed in touch.
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“I’m not a small screen viewer, to be honest. I’ve seen a couple of things on planes, but I’m not so familiar with that stuff. Massive respect to him and definitely, kind of very much enjoyed my time on that film.”
This comes after Mackenzie was asked in September 2025 whether a Sheridan reunion would be on the cards, telling ScreenRant, “I don’t know! I mean, I haven’t seen Taylor for a long, long time, but I very much enjoyed working with him. When I read that script for the first time, I thought it was really wonderful. And Taylor’s done amazing stuff since.”
As disappointing as this might be, it’s also not too surprising. Mackenzie has been consistently pumping out action movies like Fuze in the years since his Western sojourn, and they’ve provided their own challenges.
“It’s all a challenge, juggling the worlds of the police, bank robbers, army, and bomb disposal is always challenging,” he adds. “Fuze really unfolds in real time. In other story structures, you could maybe get away with some issues, but not with this.”
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Jasmine is a Streaming Staff Writer for TechRadar, previously writing for outlets including Radio Times, Yahoo! and Stylist. She specialises in comfort TV shows and movies, ranging from Hallmark’s latest tearjerker to Netflix’s Virgin River. She’s also the person who wrote an obituary for George Cooper Sr. during Young Sheldon Season 7 and still can’t watch the funeral episode.
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Why This Matters
This development may influence user expectations, future product strategy, and the competitive balance inside the broader technology industry.
Companies in adjacent segments often react quickly to similar moves, which is why stories like this tend to matter beyond a single announcement.
Looking Ahead
The full impact will become clearer over time, but the story already highlights how quickly the modern tech landscape can evolve.
Observers will continue tracking the next steps and how they affect products, users, and the wider market.
