10 Westerns Featuring the Cast of ‘1923’ You Must Watch Now

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1923, created by Taylor Sheridan for Paramount+, is a resounding success with audiences, featuring stars Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. This two-season limited series serves as both a prequel to Yellowstone and a sequel to 1883, delving into the Dutton family’s journey during Montana’s prohibition era while the specter of the Great Depression approaches. Similar to its predecessors, 1923 has garnered widespread acclaim, earning a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics who adore it.

In the 1923 western, about half of the main and recurring actors aren’t new to this genre. Some of them have even starred in a previous Western production, while others have multiple Western roles in their acting history.

10
‘Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher’ (2021)

Featuring Caleb Martin

1800s Oklahoma serves as the backdrop for this film, which is inspired by the true story of Montford T. Johnson, a Chickasaw cattleman. Directed by Nathan Frankowski (known for “The Devil Conspiracy”) and written by Lucy Tennessee Cole, this western features Martin Sensmeier, who previously starred in “1883”, as the lead character, Montford T. Johnson. The movie has garnered positive feedback from viewers, making it a worthwhile watch, though not necessarily the best western ever made. On Rotten Tomatoes, it currently boasts an audience rating of 76%.

Caleb Martin takes on the job of a ranch hand in the series “1923”, and he assumes the character of Michael Campbell in “Montford”. It appears that western films were meant for Martin, given his background. In reality, this actor has been a skilled horse stunt rider professionally, and he competes at a national level as a Team Roper in rodeos.

9
‘The Standoff at Sparrow Creek’ (2018)

Featuring Brian Geraghty

Titled “The Standoff at Sparrow Creek,” this modern-day western unfolds in the Northern Michigan region, where a band of militia members fortify themselves inside a local lumber warehouse upon discovering that one of their comrades has perpetrated a heinous act at a police funeral. The film represents the feature debut of writer-director Henry Dunham and stars James Badge Dale (previously seen in “1923”). On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a high 78% approval rating from critics.

1923 finds Brian Geraghty as a key cast member, portraying a remarkably dedicated ranch hand on the Dutton estate. In The Standoff at Sparrow Creek, he takes on the role of Noah, one of the six individuals involved in the standoff. Notably, it was Noah who introduced the former police officer, Gannon, to the militia in the initial stages.

8
‘From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series’ (2014 – 2016)

Featuring Robert Patrick

According to the horror film “From Dusk Till Dawn,” co-directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez, Rodriguez later developed this story into a television series for Miramax. The show blends aspects of the western, horror, and crime genres in a modern context. In the series, DJ Cotrona (known for “Venom”) and Zane Holtz (“Riverdale”) portray brothers Seth and Richie Gecko. With the FBI hot on their trail, these brothers seek refuge at the Mexican border, only to find themselves in over their heads when they encounter a strip club that harbors supernatural secrets.

Known most famously for his role as the T-1000 in “Terminator 2: Judgment Day,” Patrick stars as Sheriff William McDowell of Gallatin County in the series “1923.” The Dutton family is friendly with him. Previously, he appeared in 10 episodes of “From Dusk Till Dawn” portraying Jacob Fuller, the head of a family held captive by the brothers and a former minister seeking to safeguard his children. In the movie, Harvey Keitel (“Pulp Fiction”) originally played this character.

7
‘The Ballad of Lefty Brown’ (2017)

Featuring Michael Spears

1889 Montana serves as the backdrop for “The Ballad of Lefty Brown,” a movie where Bill Pullman, famously known from “The Sinner,” takes on the lead role as a vengeful frontiersman seeking justice following the demise of his cherished companion. This film is both written and directed by Jared Moshe, who has previously worked on “Aporia.” The supporting cast includes Kathy Baker (“The Age of Adaline”), Jim Caviezel (“Person of Interest”), Tommy Flanagan (“Sons of Anarchy”), and Peter Fonda (“Easy Rider”). On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 79% rating.

Michael Spears has featured in numerous westerns throughout his acting career which lasted for three decades. In the series, “1923“, he portrays the leader of the Broken Rock Reservation and a neighbor to the Dutton family across two seasons. In the film, “The Ballad of Lefty Brown“, Spears takes on the supporting character of Biscuit.

6
‘Landman’ (2024)

Featuring Michelle Randolph

The series titled “Landman” is a modern western television production by Taylor Sheridan, who’s also behind “1923”. It draws inspiration from Christian Wallace’s 2019 podcast named “Boomtown”. The Paramount+ show unfolds in the prosperous oil fields of West Texas and features Billy Bob Thornton (famous for “Goliath”) as Tommy Norris, an ambitious Vice President of an oil company. The ensemble cast includes Ali Larter (“Final Destination”), Demi Moore (“The Substance”), and Jon Hamm (“Mad Men”).

Michelle Randolph portrays the character of Elizabeth Strafford, commonly referred to as Liz, within the series ‘1923’. Liz is betrothed to marry Jacob Dutton’s great-nephew, Jack, a rancher played by Darren Mann. Randolph plays a leading role in the show ‘Landman’, where she appears in all 11 episodes as Ainsley Norris, a strong-willed daughter of Tommy.

5
‘Into the West’ (2005)

Featuring Michael Spears

The six-part miniseries titled “Into the West,” produced by Steven Spielberg, aired on TNT. This series unfolds between 1820 and 1980, depicting the lives of both a white settler family and a Lakota family during a time of transformation and hardship in the western frontier. Narrated by Matthew Settle (known for “Band of Brothers”), who portrays Jacob Wheeler, the cast also features Steve Reevis (“Fargo”), Tonantzin Carmelo (“NCIS Origins”), Zahn McClarnon (“Dark Winds”), Skeet Ulrich (“Scream”), Alan Tudyk (“3:10 to Yuma”), Josh Brolin (“No Country for Old Men”), and Keri Russell (The Americans).

In three separate episodes, Michael Spears takes on the role of Dog Star, a Lakota brother from an earlier generation. This character is played by Pony Boy Osuniga (Déjà-Vu) and Gil Birmingham (Yellowstone) at different stages in his life. Dog Star is known to be wary of trading with incoming white settlers for their goods, as he is a man deeply connected to his Lakota roots.

4
‘Westworld’ (2016 – 2022)

Featuring Brandon Sklenar

Westworld, originally based on Michael Crichton’s novel, is a captivating dystopian western series that unfolded over four seasons on HBO. The brilliant minds behind it are Jonathan Nolan (known for Person of Interest) and Lisa Joy (Reminiscence). Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen), Thandiwe Newton (Beloved), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction), it became an overwhelming success.

In the year of 1923, Skelnar takes on the character Spencer Dutton. He is the son of James Dutton, portrayed by Tim McGraw in 1883, but was brought up by his uncle, Jacob. Previously, Skelnar made a brief appearance in two episodes of Westworld during its fourth season, playing a man named Henry. This role may not have been substantial, but Westworld was the most recognized television show on his resume prior to 1923.

3
‘Walk the Line’ (2005)

Featuring Robert Patrick

Walk the Line deviates from the standard western genre, instead offering a biographical portrayal of a significant figure in country western music. The movie features Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter, another well-known country singer whom Cash eventually married. The film is helmed by director James Mangold, with a screenplay co-written by Mangold and Gill Dennis (Forever). This critically acclaimed production boasts an 83% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

In the movie, I play the role of Johnny’s long-absent father, Ray Cash. Our bond has always been strained, with me frequently casting judgment on my son. Yet, as the story unfolds, we manage to mend our relationship.

2
‘Dances with Wolves’ (1990)

Featuring Michael Spears

The timeless epic “Dances with Wolves” showcases Kevin Costner, best known for his role in “Yellowstone,” making his directorial debut. Set during the Civil War era, this film tells the story of Union Army 1st Lieutenant John J. Dunbar (Costner), who finds himself stationed on the frontier. As he becomes more familiar with the local Sioux tribe, he begins to challenge his previous beliefs. With a critical approval rating of 87% on Rotten Tomatoes, this Academy Award-winning movie is highly regarded.

At the tender age of 13, Spears first appeared on screen in the movie “Dances with Wolves”, portraying the character Otter. This breakthrough role catapulted him into prominence and opened doors for further acting opportunities. Since then, he has accumulated over 20 roles across films and television shows, such as “Longmire”, “1883”, and “Reservation Dogs”.

1
‘The Virginian’ (1962 – 1971)

Featuring Harrison Ford

The show titled “The Virginian” was a long-running television series that featured James Drury (from “Pollyanna“), playing the lead role. For nine seasons, it aired on NBC, accumulating a grand total of 249 episodes. Notably, this Western series is among the longest-lasting in TV history.

Harrison Ford has been a household name in the film industry for quite some time now, with notable roles in timeless films such as Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Currently, Ford portrays Jacob Dutton on 1923, but it’s interesting to know that one of his earliest television appearances was back in 1967 on The Virginian. In this series, he was featured in Seasons 5 and 6 under the character names Cullen Tindall and a young rancher. Ford has since appeared in several western-themed films, but The Virginian remains one of his most memorable roles.

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2025-05-03 23:39