In Taylor Sheridan’s universe, ‘1923′ helps give context to the Dutton family’s impact in Montana—or more so, how this clan really began their ranch’s reign through the backdrop of pandemics, drought, the end of Prohibition, and the Great Depression.
The first season of this prequel series introduced a wide range of characters and storylines, and the sophomore go around will follow suit. Starring Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar, Michelle Randolph, Brian Geraghty, Sebastian Roché and more on a stacked cast, Season 2 of ‘1923’ promises to build the tension.
“Somehow stakes get higher in the second season. You just don’t think it’s possible after the first…but it does,” explains Randolph. The actress took on the role of Elizabeth Strafford in Season 1, who becomes the fiancé of Jack Dutton. Randolph also appears in Sheridan’s new series ‘Landman’, which has paved its own path of popularity among audiences.
“I think knowing how prolific Taylor Sheridan is, just to read a script of his and get a chance to audition for it, I was excited,” she continues.
“I just loved the role of Elizabeth, and as soon as I read it, I felt like I could find her voice. I love how resilient she is, I love the strength. I love this duality between wanting to be this woman in the 1920s who’s pushing boundaries and finding a voice for herself, but also maintaining tradition. And I find her very interesting to play in finding those balances.”
Randolph’s character becomes immersed in the world of the Dutton’s in the second season, including the family’s many ranch hands, which includes Brian Geraghty’s Zane Davis.
“I think that we all have obstacles this season—more so than last season, and they’re coming to a head. Just to see how each character dives in and either overcomes or does not overcome or struggles through those obstacles…It’s kind of the fun part for us,” Geraghty explains. “And without giving anything away, I think that’s going to be the fun part for the audience too.”
Sebastian Roché’s character, Father Renaud, and his story on the other hand takes place off the Dutton’s ranch and in a very brutal school—but in the new season, he’s on the hunt for one specific runaway (Aminah Nieves’ Teonna.)
“For me personally, I really love the fact that Father Renaud’s journey changes dramatically. He goes from the confines of a residential school with strict laws and the laws of the church, and he’s thrust completely out of his elements into the Wild West following this Marshall [played by Jamie McShane],” says Roché.
“What I love about this season is the incredible arc that [he] is going to go through and the journey—not only psychological, but the physical. We’re going to see different aspects of his character change as he encounters different tribulations among his travels. So that’s what I’m excited about, to see the change in the character in his obsession with Te—and that’s something I look forward to hearing from the fans of the show about.”
‘1923’ is built on its characters and their dynamics, and we see different viewpoints woven in with each scene. The many different storylines also lend to the excitement for its cast as well.
“The show itself is so relationship-based,” says Randolph. “There are so many different very intimate relationships between characters. Especially for Elizabeth, her relationship with Cara [Mirren] is very unique because they are honestly strangers who are now living in the same house. And Elizabeth is learning from her constantly. They’re forced to be family, but then they also love each other and they come to love each other.”
“I like watching all the different storylines and all the different geographies. I personally love watching Brandon and Julia [Schlaepfer] in a far away land walking on white sand beaches while we’re freezing to death in Montana,” Geraghty agrees. “I love watching the American Indian storyline with Sebastian. And then it kind of changes color, so it feels like it’s more bright with [them] with the weather, and then you come to us and it seems like it’s a little more dreary in the winter.”
Season 2 of ‘1923’ promises to be bigger, bloodier and more emotional than the first (as the cast says). Audiences can see it unfold for themselves when the show premieres on Feb. 23.
“What’s wonderful about this is that you are in the show, but you also become a fan of it,” finishes Roché. “And of course, watching Harrison and Helen, I mean some of your icons on screen here, how could you not be? It’s such a pleasure to not only partake in it, but to be a fan of it.”
Season 2 of ‘1923’ premieres Feb. 23 exclusively on Paramount+
