Is Dark Winds a true story? Real origins explained

Dark Winds is a Netflix thriller series based on the Leaphorn & Chee novel series by Tony Hillerman. The adapted show is based on the story in Hillerman's 37 books, which tell the tale of a Navajo policeman pairing up with his senior to solve murder cases that seem to be connected. The series was released in 2022 via Netflix and AMC.

The series is adapted from the fictional storyline in the book and is not based on real events or characters. However, producers of the show have said that they want to maintain cultural authenticity while portraying the Navajo community on screen.

The official summary for the series reads:

"Follows Leaphorn and Chee, two Navajo police officers in the 1970s Southwest that are forced to challenge their own spiritual beliefs when they search for clues in a double murder case."

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Is Dark Winds based on a true story? Plot overview

Dark Winds revolves around police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo Tribal Police. The two become involved in solving a string of murders in the 1970s, leading them on a dangerous journey. The story is based on fictional characters and plot dynamics from Tony Hillerman’s book series and is not based on true events or people.

The series tries to incorporate history and culture into its episodes, even though it is not based on a true story and the first season explored the forced sterilization of Native American women in America. Another event depicted was the formation of Indigenous Boarding Schools.

In an interview for Salon, writer Maya Rose Dittloff spoke about this aspect of the show:

“What we wanted to smuggle in was a greater story about what it means to be Native, but also to go beyond just representation, like just having Natives on screen.”

The writers explained that the scripting process involved many people from different tribes, nations, and backgrounds, which made it very creative and nuanced.

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Who are the cast members in Dark Winds?

Dark Winds was majorly filmed at Camel Rock Studios in Sante Fe. Over two seasons, the show assembled a star-studded cast who featured in various roles. A list of the main cast members has been given below:

• Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn
• Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee
• Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito
• Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn
• Rainn Wilson as Dan DeMarco
• Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder
• Jeremiah Bitsui as Hoski
• Eugene Brave Rock as Frank Nakai
• Noah Emmerich as Leland Whitover
• Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf

The series also features several recurring characters who make appearances and contribute to the plot. Some of these cast members include:

• Natalie Benally as Natalie Bluehouse
• DezBaa' as Helen Atcitty
• Ryan Begay as Guy Atcitty
• John Diehl as B.J. Vines
• Jonathan Adams as Lester
• Rob Tepper as Pete Samuels
• Amelia Rico as Ada Growing Thunder
• Jeri Ryan as Rosemary Vines
• A Martinez as Sheriff Gordo Sena
• Jacqueline Byers as Mary Landon

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Audiences can watch the first two seasons of Dark Winds streaming on platforms like AMC and Netflix. The OTT giant has also renewed the series for a third season, which is expected to premiere in 2025.