Exploring the Expanded Sheridanverse with Ash Santos

Ash Santos is quite excited about her role in the new series set in the Sheridanverse. Living in Utah, where much of the production takes place, she recalls the buzz surrounding the filming of Yellowstone. “I remember feeling captivated by it,” Santos shared, noting that when she learned about the spin-off featuring Casey Dutton (played by Luke Grimes), she found the idea “smart,” especially with familiar faces like Gil Birmingham and Mo Brings Plenty involved. However, fortune was a bit fickle—Santos’s initial role was potentially short-lived.

“Just before I auditioned for this series, I was testing for another Taylor Sheridan film,” she explained. There was a hiccup with that audition, which left her a bit disheartened, but she pushed on. A few weeks later, she was thrilled to land the part of Andrea Cruz, a no-nonsense federal marshal from the Bronx. Interestingly, her character’s transfer to Montana is tied to a mysterious incident that will unfold as the story progresses.

Having roots in the Bronx herself, Santos feels a connection to Cruz, although she acknowledges there’s still much to unpack about the character. Her father worked in law enforcement, giving her an authentic edge that’s hard to replicate. “This created a solid foundation,” she noted. She appreciated the collaborative atmosphere created by showrunner Spencer Hudnut, who welcomed questions and input about her character. “It’s nice to work with someone who’s so invested,” she remarked.

Santos had a recent chat over Zoom to discuss the CBS show, share her admiration for her co-stars, and hint at the direction Cruz’s journey will take throughout the season.

Decider: Did you have a strong fan base for Yellowstone before joining?

Ash Santos: Absolutely! I became a Taylor Sheridan fan after watching Sicario and Hell or High Water. Living in Utah, I couldn’t help but fall for Yellowstone. When I learned they were doing a spin-off focused on Casey, I was genuinely thrilled.

Was it intimidating to step into such a beloved universe?

Yeah, especially after hearing that Monica was gone. I was a bit anxious about how fans would react, thinking, “This could upset some people.” The weight of expectations is absolutely there; Yellowstone means a lot to many viewers.

How did the original cast greet you as a newcomer?

They were incredibly welcoming! It was lovely to see their humor on set, not to mention their willingness to share stories about Yellowstone. Surprisingly, instead of feeling any apprehension about us joining, they made us feel like part of the family right away.

Can you describe the audition process?

It was a bit chaotic! Just before I found out about this audition, I’d been testing for another Taylor Sheridan film. The message came that they didn’t receive my tape, and, well, that was pretty disheartening. But after that, I was invited to a screen test. I arrived an hour late due to flight issues, feeling flustered. Despite all that, they saw something in me, thankfully, because I completely blanked on my lines during the test!

What drew you to the role of Cruz?

When I got the audition details, I thought, “Wow, this character feels so close to me.” Having that personal connection—growing up in the Bronx and with a law enforcement background—really helped me connect with who she is.

Is Spencer Hudnut open to questions as a showrunner?

Definitely! He made sure we had multiple discussions before filming began, and he even provided his personal cell for any questions. I felt comfortable reaching out to him, which is a first for me in this industry. There were moments when I was unsure, but he reassured me, urging me to trust the process.

Did you get a sense of Cruz’s storyline in advance?

Yes, after I booked the role, I had a chance to sit down with Spencer and ask questions about her arc. There are definitely intriguing aspects to her character that will develop over time.

What about the chemistry between the cast? How was that built?

It was a really enjoyable experience! Testing with Arielle Kebbel in Dallas felt so natural. Although our characters have a rocky relationship initially, that’s not at all like how we were off-screen. Having Tatanka Means join us felt like fitting in the last piece of the puzzle.

Did you have to undergo any tactical training for the role?

Absolutely! As someone who loves being active, the training was fantastic. We were trained by former Navy SEALs in how to handle weapons and work as a team, which was both a tough challenge and a ton of fun.

Can you share anything about a key scene from the pilot?

Cruz’s growth in Montana surprised even her. I think she found herself enjoying it more than she anticipated.

Will we find out what happened in D.C. that led to her transfer?

Yes, her past will come to light in an emotional moment where she reveals it to someone she trusts. It’s a pivotal scene.

What can you tease about the upcoming season for Cruz?

The stakes are truly high for her. The twists and turns she experiences will catch viewers off guard.

Why does Casey need Marshall?

After losing his wife, Casey is navigating grief while being a single dad. He’s searching for purpose again, and that new camaraderie with his fellow marshals becomes essential for him. It’s powerful when he realizes he’s no longer alone in his journey.

Marshall airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.