1923 season 2’s recast star Jeremy Gauna addresses his purpose and the emotional weight of inheriting his late friend Cole Brings Plenty’s role. In 1923 season 2, Gauna joined the cast as Pete Plenty Clouds, the teenage son of Hank Plenty Clouds (Michael Greyeyes), who Brings Plenty portrayed in season 1. Brings Plenty tragically died at 27 years old in April 2024, with Gauna joining the cast to portray the character in the series’ final season. Gauna worked with series creator Taylor Sheridan on 1883, where he portrayed an unnamed Native American.
Speaking with the Los Angeles Times about his role in 1923, Gauna explained how he was close friends with Brings Plenty, the pair speaking together after being introduced by Yellowstone star Mo Brings Plenty. The pair’s closeness is what made Gauna take on the role, wanting to honor his friend by portraying the character he’d been so excited to play in season 1. He explained he didn’t take on the role for “accolades,” but because he wanted to pay tribute to Brings Plenty’s memory:
Yeah, I was the Native that shot and killed Elsa in “1883,” which is a pivotal part of the show.
But first, I should say that this opportunity didn’t come without the loss of Cole Brings Plenty in real life. It was a very difficult call to receive, but it was also bittersweet. I’ve lost a friend and somebody who was a staple in our community. I also got to honor my really good friend and his family.
We were close friends and it all started through social media. I also know his uncle, Mo Brings Plenty [who appears on “Yellowstone”], and got to meet Cole through him, and just love on him. We would talk on a daily basis. I would hear his struggles in life and hear the joy about what was to come with “1923.” He was so pumped for this role. He couldn’t believe he was going to be in every episode. It’s tough to wrap your head around the way things are now.
But to be in that position, I understood that it was bigger than anything that had to do with me. I’m not doing it for the accolades. I’m not doing it for anything other than just to make sure that everyone remembers and honors him. I understand that it’s my purpose. Some people might not fully grasp that, but I completely have, and Cole has been with me throughout the entire process.
The actor also recalled prayer being important to approaching his portrayal of Pete, asking for guidance from his ancestors in approaching the role. He also recalled the mood on set, reminiscing about how he cried the first time he saw himself dressed as his late friend’s character. Check out what Gauna had to say below:
Honestly, it was prayer and ceremony that led me to have communications with Cole. I was trying to grasp what was needed for Pete to continue on and how to approach the space that was there before, while also adding my own little flair to him.
I gave it to the ancestors and to Cole and said, “Look, I am going to do my part in understanding and trying my best to learn the language and to honor the tribe, but also honor Cole and everybody else that had already worked on Season 1.” I felt that I owed it to them to give my all and to focus on being the rock, the boulder for everybody who was going through it emotionally.
When I got into wardrobe, the energy was very somber. Everyone could tell that something was different. I remember I got dressed, they took their pictures, and then I was about to leave, the team asked me if I wanted to look in the mirror first. I said, “Not really” and they said I should “just for myself.” And boom, when I did, tears flowed from everyone. I walked out to find Amina, and it was a very beautiful and sweet moment where she broke down. I just got to hold her and hug her and just let her know that I was going to be there with her throughout the entire process.
What Guana’s Story Means For His Portrayal Of Pete In 1923 Season 2
He’s Honoring Brings Plenty By Taking On His Role
Brings Plenty’s cause of death remains unknown, with the actor being reported missing in March 2024 before his body was found one week later. Police say foul play is not suspected in his death, but Brings Plenty’s family continues fighting for answers. Guana’s story emphasizes just how close the pair were, explaining why he was the one chosen to take over as Pete on the cast of 1923 instead of the character getting written out. It helps he collaborated with Sheridan on 1883, having already proven capable of taking up the role.
Sadly, Brings Plenty never got a chance to reprise his role in the show before he died, with season 2 not filming until July 2024, three months after his death. Gauna first appeared as Pete in the season 2 premiere, which was dedicated to Brings Plenty, cementing his legacy on the show. As the actor stated, his closeness with his friend is what motivated him to take on his role after his death, something that’s clear in both his appearance on the Yellowstone spinoff and the premiere’s dedication.
Our Take On Guana Honoring Brings Plenty With His 1923 Role
The Actor’s Dedication To His Friend Is Praiseworthy
With Pete becoming more important to the story of 1923 in season 2, it makes sense for Guana to take the opportunity to see the story of his friend’s character through to the end. Brings Plenty clearly had passion in portraying the young Native American, something that his friend wants to pay homage to by continuing on with his work. It’s a role the pair will be remembered for, both because of their onscreen and offscreen connection to one another.