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Netflix’s Western miniseries American Primeval has brought the rugged and often brutal history of the American West to life, and one of its key historical figures is Brigham Young, the controversial second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).
Portrayed by veteran actor Kim Coates, Brigham Young is introduced as a man determined to protect his followers from persecution while navigating the volatile landscape of 1857 Utah.
The series, released on Netflix on January 9, 2025, follows the violent clashes between settlers, Indigenous tribes, and Mormon communities during the Utah War. Kim Coates, widely recognized for his roles in Sons of Anarchy and Prison Break, delivers a gripping performance as Brigham Young, a polarizing figure whose decisions shape the trajectory of the territory’s future.
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Details on actor playing Brigham Young in American Primeval season 1 explored
Kim Coates, a Canadian actor with a career spanning decades, takes on the role of Brigham Young in American Primeval.
Brigham Young is depicted as a pragmatic and resourceful leader who is unafraid to use force to protect his community. The show emphasizes his strategic use of the Mormon militia during the Utah War, a conflict triggered by tensions between the LDS church and the U.S. government.
Known for his gritty and intense portrayals, Coates brings depth to the character of Young, portraying him as a steadfast yet complex leader determined to ensure the survival of his persecuted followers.
Kim Coates’s previous roles, such as Tig in Sons of Anarchy, Declan in Bad Blood, and George in Cold Brooks, have showcased his ability to portray morally ambiguous characters, making him an ideal choice for the role of Young.
Who was the real Brigham Young of American Primeval season 1?
Brigham Young was a prominent and controversial figure in American history, known for his role as the second president of the LDS church and as the founder of Salt Lake City. Born in Whitingham, Vermont, in 1801, Young joined the LDS church in 1832 after being introduced to the Book of Mormon.
Following the death of Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, in 1844, Young became the leader of the LDS church, leading the community through periods of persecution and eventual migration to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
Young played a central role in establishing Utah as a stronghold for the LDS church. As governor of the Utah Territory, he governed with theocratic authority, ensuring that church doctrines influenced local laws. Known as the American Moses, Young led thousands of followers to the Utah desert to escape religious persecution.
Under his leadership, Salt Lake City was founded, and the LDS church flourished in the region. However, Young’s tenure was not without controversy. His leadership style, involvement in polygamy, and clashes with federal authorities earned him both admirers and critics.
In American Primeval season 1, the character of Brigham Young is shown navigating the challenges of leading a community under siege. The series highlights his use of the Mormon militia to protect the LDS community from external threats, including U.S. government troops during the Utah War.
Details about American Primeval season 1 explored
American Primeval is a six-episode Western miniseries written by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant) and directed by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights, Lone Survivor). The series immerses viewers in the chaotic and violent world of 1857 Utah, a time when settlers, Indigenous tribes, and Mormon communities clashed over land, resources, and survival.
Taylor Kitsch leads the ensemble cast as Isaac Reed, a hardened frontiersman navigating the brutal landscape of the American West. The cast also includes Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Shea Whigham, and Saura Lightfoot-Leon, among others.
Kim Coates’s portrayal of Brigham Young adds a historical dimension to the series, blending real-life events with the fictionalized struggles of the show’s characters.
The series stands out for its raw and unflinching depiction of frontier life, drawing comparisons to The Revenant in both tone and visual style. Filmed in rugged locations to capture the harshness of the American West, American Primeval offers a cinematic experience that immerses viewers in the lawless and unforgiving terrain of the 19th century.
One of the central storylines revolves around Brigham Young’s efforts to maintain control of the Utah Territory amid mounting tensions with the U.S. government.
By the end of the season, Young’s character makes a pivotal decision to purchase and burn Fort Bridger, a symbolic act of defiance against federal troops. This historical reimagining showcases Young’s strategic thinking and determination to protect his community at all costs.
Interested viewers can watch American Primeval season 1 on Netflix.
