Hollywood icon Harrison Ford has shared his experiences working with Taylor Sheridan on the hit Western drama 1923, after only signing on so he could work with co-star Helen Mirren again. The show serves as a prequel to Sheridan’s other hit Paramount neo-Western Yellowstone, and sees Ford and Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, who must protect their ranch during times of various hardship, including Prohibition, and the Great Depression. The show marks Ford’s debut leading role in a scripted TV series, and it seems that the acting legend has enjoyed his experience working with Mirren and Sheridan.
Per TheWrap, Ford described the experience as a “revelation,” and praised Sheridan’s drive and ambition. He then revealed his delight at teaming with Mirren again, after they first appeared opposite in 1986’s The Mosquito Coast. Ford revealed he had only one meeting with Sheridan before filming, but it was very detailed and productive, and the chance to work with Mirren again was something he couldn’t pass up. Check out Ford’s comments below, and a quote from Mirren:
“Well, for me, it was a revelation. I took the job only because my friend there had signed up already, and knowing her, the wisdom of her choices and the opportunity that she alone presents. Forget about the script, I signed on knowing some of what Taylor had done, having had a very, very detailed conversation with him on our one meeting prior to shooting. He didn’t have anything really, except an ambition and a feeling that this was really an opportunity that couldn’t be denied.”
Mirren supported his comments, praising Sheridan, the show, and her co-star, talking about the strength of the scripts and how they gave her confidence to join the show.
“When the scripts arrived, it was like a journey into the unknown, but as Harrison said, one had seen the work that Taylor had done before, so you knew you were in very, very good hands. You knew you were not going to be betrayed. He is an extraordinary writer and person, because he does it all himself. It’s not like you’re a part of a whole writing team of people. It’s one man. It’s one man’s vision and voice, which is so distinctive and so beautifully constructed.”
What These Comments Mean For 1923’s Future
Despite Running Just Two Seasons, The Series Could Help Bolster Ford’s TV Career
Having enjoyed a five-decade career on the big screen, Ford has portrayed many iconic characters in his career, and this is a trend that seems to be continuing during his TV work. The success of 1923 could have prompted and inspired the actor to expand his TV roles and join the Shrinking cast, which has also been very well-received critically. Ford is still appearing in mainstream blockbusters, notably Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Captain America: Brave New World, but as he is now 82, he may find TV work less taxing.
This could result in the actor taking on more TV roles in the future, especially with Shrinking becoming a streaming hit. Based on Ford’s comments, there is a good chance he could look to team up with Sheridan again in the future, especially as the prolific writer has many projects in development with Paramount. With 1923 season 2 set to conclude the journey for those characters, there’s every chance he and Mirren could team up again in the future.
Our Verdict On Ford’s 1923 Comments
Ford’s Age & Experience Mean He’s Likely Seeking Enjoyable & Nostalgic Projects
While he has not retired from the big screen just yet, Ford’s venture into leading TV roles would suggest that this is the direction his career will take. His positive reception to working with Sheridan suggests he hasn’t enjoyed an experience like 1923 for a while, and working with a former co-star might have made him nostalgic, enhancing the enjoyment. It may be a long shot for the famously stoic actor, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Ford teamed up with other former co-stars in future projects once 1923 concludes.