Zahn McClarnon, the star of the crime drama “Dark Winds,” revealed that the upcoming second season of the show will have a lighter tone. McClarnon, who plays Joe Leaphorn, expressed excitement about exploring the dynamic between his character and Jim Chee, describing it as a father/son relationship filled with teasing. The second season of “Dark Winds” will premiere on July 27 on AMC+ and July 30 at 9 p.m. on AMC.
Executive-produced by “Game of Thrones” author George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford, the series is set in the 1970s on a Navajo reservation. McClarnon spoke about his interactions with Martin and Redford, sharing that he spent time with both of them on set and enjoyed dinners together. However, McClarnon noted that Redford, who is 86 years old, has difficulty getting around these days.
“Dark Winds” revolves around Navajo tribal police solving crimes on the reservation. The first season, based on the “Leaphorn & Chee” novels, garnered a record-breaking 2.2 million viewers on AMC+. The show tackles serious topics like the forced sterilization of Indigenous women.
In Season 2, Chee, portrayed by Kiowa Gordon, transitions from being an undercover FBI agent to working as a private investigator. Leaphorn, on the other hand, is faced with a case involving a sociopath, played by Nicholas Logan. McClarnon teased that the second season would explore the connection between Leaphorn and Chee, raising questions about whether Chee replaces Leaphorn’s deceased son.
McClarnon praised Gordon for his lighthearted energy on set, contrasting it with the more reserved nature of his character, Joe Leaphorn. He expressed how Gordon’s presence brings laughter and positivity to the cast, making the work easier for him.
Although McClarnon himself is Lakota and not Navajo like his character, he emphasized the importance of cultural accuracy. The show had a cultural advisor from the Navajo nation, and McClarnon drew from his personal experience within Native communities to understand and portray the universal aspects of Indigenous cultures.
As a Hollywood veteran, McClarnon has appeared in numerous TV shows, including “Fargo,” “Westworld,” “Longmire,” and the FX comedy “Reservation Dogs.” He acknowledged the progress made in the industry for Native Americans but stressed the need for more representation behind the scenes as well, with Native Americans involved in studios and producing. McClarnon expressed pride in the fact that Native communities are now telling their own stories with all-Native crews and casts.
This interview took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike.
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