Yellowstone Star Martin Sensmeier Joins AMC’s Dark Winds in a Key Role

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I’m absolutely hooked on Season 4 right now, but it’s amazing to think that even as we’re enjoying it, the creators of this incredible Western – inspired by George R.R. Martin, of course – are already planning what comes next! It’s a testament to how popular and well-loved the show has become.

Production for the next season of Dark Winds began quickly, even before Season 4 aired in February. According to reports, Martin Sensmeier, known for his work in the Yellowstone universe, has joined the cast in a significant role.

Sensmeier will be a main cast member, playing Terry Bai, a Vietnam War veteran who now works at a racetrack. Terry and Chee (played by Kiowa Gordon) knew each other when they were in middle school.

Zahn McClarnon isn’t the only new addition to Season 5 of Dark Winds. Paola Núñez, known for her roles in Fire Country and The Fall of the House of Usher, has also joined the main cast. This pairing is especially notable as Núñez previously worked with McClarnon on The Son.

Martin Sensmeier Has Experience in the Western Genre

The newest cast member of Dark Winds is well-versed in Westerns. They’ve previously worked with Dark Winds star Zahn McClarnon on the film The Last Manhunt, and also collaborated with another actor on the Netflix series The Liberator.

He’s known for his work in Westerns and related shows, including the popular HBO series Westworld (where he played Wanahton in Season 2), the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven, the 2017 thriller Wind River, and the Yellowstone universe.

In the Yellowstone franchise, Jimmy Sheridan portrayed two characters: Martin, a physical therapist who appeared in Season 2 of the main series, and Sam in the prequel 1883.

Dark Winds Has Been a Sleeper Hit

This Western series, executive produced by George R.R. Martin and the late Robert Redford, is based on the novels by Tony Hillerman featuring the characters Leaphorn & Chee. Set in the 1970s on a Navajo Nation outpost, the show follows three Navajo Tribal Police officers, led by Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, played by McClarnon.

However, Season 4 dramatically shifts the story. The investigation leads Leaphorn, Chee, and Manuelito to 1970s Los Angeles, where they must urgently rescue her from a dangerous stalker connected to criminal organizations.

Since it first aired, Dark Winds has achieved something unusual: every season has received a perfect 100% score from critics. Viewers also generally enjoy the show, giving it an overall approval rating of 78%, with the most recent season (Season 4) earning an even higher 82%.

Despite receiving excellent reviews, the show didn’t attract many viewers initially. But a deal between AMC and Netflix helped it find a wider audience, and it continues to be popular on its streaming platform.

The TV series Dark Winds is currently airing Season 4, with new episodes available every Sunday on AMC and AMC+ through April 5th. While Season 5 doesn’t have a confirmed release date, it’s expected to return to AMC in 2027.

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2026-03-11 20:41