Harrison Ford Reflects On “1923” Season 2 Finale and Possible Future To The Series
Harrison Ford chose to commemorate his May 4th by focusing on the rugged landscapes of the American West, where he stars in “1923“, the “Yellowstone” prequel series that just wrapped its second season — and possibly its final one. At an FYC (For Your Consideration) event in Los Angeles, Ford, who portrays the stoic and morally complex Jacob Dutton alongside Helen Mirren’s formidable Cara, shared his thoughts on the show, his character, and the profound historical narratives explored throughout the series.
Harrison Ford On “1923” Season 2 Finale
Ford, known for his iconic roles in the Indiana Jones and Star Wars franchises, revealed that “1923” had offered him one of the most challenging scripts he’s encountered in a long time. Reflecting on the season two finale, Ford said to The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought it was fantastic. I thought it was very tight storytelling, and I was absolutely delighted with it. It’s probably the densest script and work that I’ve had a chance to work on in a long, long time.”
As the series delves deeper into the rugged terrain of 1920s Montana, where the Dutton family grapples with the forces of modernity and the weight of history, Ford’s portrayal of Jacob is as layered as it is compelling. The series’ season two finale brought a dramatic close to a chapter that has seen the Duttons facing perilous challenges, including violent confrontations and the looming specter of change. Mirren’s Cara and Ford’s Jacob survive the chaos, while other key characters meet fates that move the plot forward, including the birth of a child who holds direct ties to John Dutton III, the patriarch from “Yellowstone” portrayed by Kevin Costner.
Harrison Ford On First “1923” Appearance
Ford spoke about how his character defies traditional heroic tropes, offering a nuanced portrayal of a man who has made difficult, and often morally dubious, choices in his life. “In the first episode, my character hung four men. I thought it was an opportunity to really invest in a very complicated characterization, because this is not a hero,” Ford explained. “This is a complicated man who does some bad shit and then goes on with his life. And I think that’s a very interesting kind of character to play, and not one that frequently comes my way.”
The exploration of morally gray characters has been a hallmark of Ford’s storied career. From Han Solo’s reluctant heroism to Indiana Jones’s swashbuckling adventurism, Ford has long embraced roles that resist simple categorization. With “1923”, the actor finds himself in familiar territory—bringing depth and complexity to a character caught between personal morals and the brutal realities of his time.
Mirren, too, shared her excitement about the show’s deep dive into history, particularly the way it challenges conventional Western mythology. “It’s not a simple cowboys and Indians movie. It’s a really complicated story about a really complicated history,” Ford added. “There’s a lot of incredibly searing detail in it that really flies in the face of Western mythology as it is, but we can see what comes out of it and why it persists. This mythology persists in American culture, and it’s a time that’s especially a critical time in American culture — the coming of the Great Depression, the great changes of modernization brought.”
The Future of “1923”
Despite “1923’s” critical acclaim and massive fanbase, the future of the series remains uncertain. While creator Taylor Sheridan has teased the possibility of a “1944” prequel, which would bring the Dutton family into the next generation, Paramount has not yet confirmed whether the season two finale is the series’ final curtain call. In the meantime, Ford remains open to the idea of returning to the world of “Yellowstone”. He joked about his willingness to reprise the role, saying, “I’m still alive. I’d be interested in coming back if Taylor asks nice,” though he admitted that he has no inside knowledge of Sheridan’s plans for the future.
As “1923” wrapped up its second season, there were hints that we could see a shift towards exploring the next chapter in the Dutton legacy, with a potential focus on a 20-year-old John Dutton II, portrayed by Brandon Sklenar, in 1944. Sklenar himself has expressed interest in returning to his role, now that Spencer Dutton has become a father and is carrying on the family ranching tradition. As for Ford and Mirren, the two actors, both nearing the centennial mark in the timeline of 1944, have expressed an openness to returning in flashbacks or another capacity, depending on the direction Sheridan takes.
Despite the uncertainty around the show’s future, Ford’s deep connection to his character and his recognition of the show’s cultural significance are evident. As “1923” concludes its second season, Ford’s portrayal of Jacob Dutton stands as a testament to his enduring versatility and commitment to telling complex, human stories. His reflection on the season’s conclusion sums up the ethos of “1923”: “I thought it was fantastic storytelling. And it’s something I’m very proud to have been a part of.”
Whether this is the end of the Duttons’ journey or simply a pause before the next chapter, Ford’s legacy in the Yellowstone universe — and his long career of exploring multifaceted, deeply human characters — is secure, leaving fans eagerly anticipating whatever story comes next. “1923” is streaming on Paramount+.
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