OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
The highly anticipated second season of 1923 is finally here, and for stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, it marks the culmination of a bold decision they made years ago: signing on to the series without reading a single script. In a recent featurette, both actors shared insights into their journey on the show and the leap of faith they took when they initially committed to the project.
With a two-year wait between seasons, the emotional depth and intensity of 1923 Season 2 were not lost on Mirren, who emphasized the profound emotional arcs that the characters undergo. Ford, too, reflected on the writing, praising the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, for crafting scripts that served as a “treasure trove” for the actors. The second season promises to be full of unexpected twists, with both Ford and Mirren hinting at “multiple shocks” in the upcoming episodes. As Mirren put it, the new season is “very romantic, adventurous, and exciting,” a sentiment that has fans eagerly awaiting its February 23, 2025 premiere on Paramount+.
The decision to join 1923 was not a calculated one for either actor. Mirren confessed that she and Ford took the plunge without knowing the specifics of the story. “We didn’t really know what we were signing up for,” she said, noting that their trust was firmly placed in Sheridan’s talent as a writer. Ford shared a similar perspective, adding that he was swayed by the show’s creators and the broad vision they had for the series.
For Ford, the personal connection to the material made his role even more meaningful. He revealed that his portrayal of Jacob Dutton in Season 2 was deeply influenced by his own life experiences, including a scene where his character is severely injured. Ford noted that this moment mirrored his real-life experience surviving a 2015 plane crash, adding a layer of authenticity to his performance. Several aspects of the script resonated with Ford on a personal level, lending an emotional depth to his portrayal that audiences will no doubt feel.
With its stunning performances, unexpected emotional turns, and Sheridan’s masterful storytelling, 1923 Season 2 promises to be a compelling and unforgettable continuation of the Dutton family saga. For Mirren and Ford, the leap of faith they took years ago has undeniably paid off, as both actors bring their characters to life in a way that is both profound and personal. Fans can’t wait to see where the story will take them next.