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American Primeval season 1 is an upcoming Netflix drama series set in the harsh landscape of the American frontier. The series, directed by Peter Berg—known for his work on Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor—is set to premiere on Netflix on January 9, 2025. The show explores the beginnings of America through a realistic lens.
The cast of American Primeval season 1 includes Taylor Kitsch in the lead role. Known for his performances in Friday Night Lights and True Detective, Kitsch plays Isaac, a man grappling with personal loss while navigating the frontier. Alongside him are Jai Courtney, Dane DeHaan, and Betty Gilpin, each portraying significant characters in American Primeval season 1.
The official synopsis of American Primeval season 1 on Netflix states:
"A mother and son fleeing from their past form a found family while confronting a harsh landscape of freedom and cruelty in the American West."
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Conceptualized as a dive into the origins of the United States, American Primeval season 1 features an ensemble cast of pioneers, settlers, and indigenous peoples whose lives intersect in dramatic and often violent ways.
Cast overview of American Primeval season 1
1) Taylor Kitsch as Isaac
Taylor Kitsch portrays Isaac Reed, a man consumed by grief and rage in American Primeval. After the murder of his family by thieves, Isaac embarks on a self-destructive journey fueled by anger. He confronts danger head-on, driven by a personal mission to find a form of redemption that aligns with his beliefs, hoping to reunite with his loved ones in the afterlife.
Isaac's role was one of the first to be cast in American Primeval season 1. Kitsch was a natural choice due to his extensive experience and collaboration with director Peter Berg on previous projects, including Friday Night Lights, Battleship, Lone Survivor, and Painkiller.
2) Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell
Betty Gilpin plays Sara Rowell, a determined woman in American Primeval. Sara is on the run from a violent past and seeks a guide to help her and her son, Devin, navigate the dangerous frontier. Set in Fort Bridger, Sara is portrayed as a survivor who balances composure and strength while protecting her son and making her way through perilous territory.
According to an article published on December 20, 2024, on Netflix Tudum, Gilpin studied the era by reading books like Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre to prepare for the role, helping her understand the historical context and the challenges faced by women of the time.
Betty Gilpin is known for her roles in Gaslit, GLOW, Nurse Jackie, and Mrs. Davis. Her portrayal of Sara emphasizes survival and strength in an unforgiving world.
3) Jai Courtney as Virgil Cutter
Jai Courtney plays Virgil Cutter, a mountain man, bounty hunter, and trapper in American Primeval. Cutter is driven by profit, viewing his work as purely business rather than personal. His character navigates the harsh frontier with a pragmatic and calculated approach, prioritizing financial gain above all else.
Jai Courtney is known for his roles in Kaleidoscope, The Suicide Squad, Stateless, and Divergent.
4) Irene Bedard as Winter Bird
Winter Bird, portrayed by Irene Bedard, is the leader of the Shoshone Tribe in American Primeval season 1. As a mother to Red Feather, she strives to preserve her people's way of life while seeking peace with the American government. Her character embodies resilience and the fight for survival in a time of upheaval.
Irene Bedard is known for her roles in Pocahontas, Smoke Signals, The Green Veil, and Alaska Daily.
5) Dane DeHaan as Jacob Pratt
Dane DeHaan plays Jacob Pratt, a Mormon man leading a small group of fellow Mormons, including his new wife Abish, from Illinois to Utah in American Primeval season 1. The group is escaping the violent persecution faced by Mormons in the east, seeking safety in the settlement Brigham Young is establishing in Utah, which will later become Salt Lake City.
For the role, DeHaan learned horseback riding and studied the Mountain Meadows Massacre to better understand the historical context of the time. Dane DeHaan is known for his previous work in Oppenheimer, The Staircase, Lisey's Story, and The Stranger.
6) Joe Tippett as James Wolsey
Joe Tippett plays James Wolsey, the leader of the Nauvoo Legion, a militia formed by Mormon settlers in American Primeval season 1. Wolsey's leadership reflects a complex dynamic, as the men under his command do not always adhere to the moral principles they profess.
Having endured significant humiliation and violence from anti-Mormon Americans, Wolsey has chosen to retaliate, using the militia as a means to defend his community and fight back against their oppressors.
Joe Tippett is known for his performances in Mare of Easttown, The Morning Show, and Mr. Harrigan's Phone.
7) Kyle Bradley Davis as Tilly
Kyle Bradley Davis plays Tilly, one of Virgil Cutter's trappers in American Primeval. Tilly is a dangerous man who uses fear and violence to establish his presence in the lawless frontier. His willingness to kill and his intimidating personality make him a key figure in Cutter's operations.
Kyle Bradley Davis is known for his previous roles in American Horror Story and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
8) Nick Hargrove as Cottrell
Cottrell serves as Jim Bridger's trusted right hand in American Primeval. His character supports the operations of Fort Bridger, demonstrating loyalty and resourcefulness in a challenging environment.
Nick Hargrove has previously appeared in Devotion and Charmed.
9) Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Abish
Abish is a Mormon woman in American Primeval season 1 who is trapped in an unwanted marriage. Despite her religious background, she struggles with the societal expectations placed upon her and the reality of being seen as her husband's property. Abish's journey highlights the personal and emotional challenges faced by women in her circumstances.
Saura Lightfoot-Leon is known for her roles in Hoard, Masters of the Air, and The Agency.
10) Derek Hinkey as Red Feather
Red Feather is a Shoshone warrior in American Primeval season 1 who chooses to defend his people against those who threaten his Nation. His character reflects the resilience and determination of indigenous communities fighting to protect their land and culture.
Hinkey is known for his previous roles in Walker: Independence and Horizon.
11) Preston Mota as Devin Rowell
Devin Rowell, portrayed by Preston Mota in American Primeval, is Sara Rowell's son. Devin is characterized as a sensitive and curious child, navigating the challenges of the frontier alongside his mother. His relationship with Isaac adds depth to the story, reflecting themes of growth and mentorship.
Preston Mota was previously seen in Asteroid City.
12) Shawnee Pourier as Two Moons
Two Moons, played by Shawnee Pourier in American Primeval season 1, is a young Shoshone woman who flees her village and is determined to survive despite immense challenges. She finds a sense of safety and belonging with Sara and Devin, forming close bonds that offer her stability and a chance to rebuild her life.
As Two Moons is mute in American Primeval season 1, Pourier learned sign language to authentically portray the character's communication. She is known for her work in Stranger Things and Dark Winds.
Behind the scenes
Speaking about American Primeval season 1, Berg, the director, shared in an interview with Netflix Tudum on November 15, 2024:
“We wanted to tell a story that captures the raw and often brutal experiences of those who lived through this period. It’s a tribute to their resilience and humanity.”
The screenplay is penned by Mark L. Smith, known for writing The Revenant. Smith added:
“This story is about survival in its purest form. It’s about people pushed to their limits and how they respond.”
Together, Berg and Smith aim to deliver a realistic depiction of the early American frontier. The production team includes producers from Film 44 and Grand Electric.
Production insights
American Primeval season 1 was filmed in rugged locations to capture the essence of the frontier. The production faced challenges such as weather conditions and logistical hurdles in recreating an authentic 19th-century setting. Taylor Kitsch described the shoot in an interview with Netflix Tudum on November 18, 2024, saying:
“This was one of the most intense projects I’ve worked on. Every day was a test, and I think that’s what makes the story feel so real.”
Peter Berg echoed these sentiments, stating:
“The conditions were tough, but they brought out the best in the cast and crew. It felt like we were living the story we were telling.”
The team's focus on realism is evident in the set designs and costumes, which aim to transport viewers to the time period.
What can we expect?
American Primeval season 1 explores themes of survival, endurance, and the intricacies of human connections set against a backdrop of historical violence and change.
According to a Netflix Tudum article published on December 20, 2024, Berg’s directing approach, paired with Smith's narrative, creates a story that emphasizes the truths of the frontier period, revealing the overlooked tales of America's formative years.
American Primeval season 1 is slated to premiere on Netflix on January 9, 2025.
Read more: American Primeval season 1: Release date, cast, plot, trailer and everything we know so far
