The ratings for the debut episode of 1923‘s record-breaking release offer a clear message: audiences on both Paramount+ and the Paramount Network possess an insatiable hunger for Taylor Sheridan’s captivating narratives set in the frontier world of the Dutton family and their sprawling Yellowstone ranch. It stars the illustrious duo of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
Showcasing a cast of burgeoning talents, 1923 stands as an expansive cinematic venture. Sheridan himself estimates that the production likely ranks among the most substantial per-episode investments ever undertaken for a series, with each installment costing a staggering $22 million.
Taylor Sheridan Questioned Harrison Ford’s Career Choices
During an interview with Deadline, Taylor Sheridan was queried about the challenges he encountered in securing the return of Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren for further involvement. In response, Taylor Sheridan mentioned that both Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren displayed genuine enthusiasm.
Initially, they had committed for just a single season, but their eagerness to extend their involvement was evident. Harrison Ford went as far as to express to Taylor Sheridan that he believed this project to be the pinnacle of his work in the last two decades. In response, Taylor Sheridan humorously questioned Ford about what remarkable creation he had crafted 20 years ago that could rival the quality of their current endeavor.
“They were excited. They only signed on originally for one season. They were so eager to continue it…Harrison made a comment at one point, he goes, Taylor I think I’m making the best thing I’ve made in 20 years. And my response to him was, what the fu*k did you make 20 years ago as good as this? What was that? I missed that one. What was it?”
Taylor Sheridan noted that although Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren did go through the scripts, their approach to reading them was somewhat different. So, when they reached the final episode of 1883, it seemed that they might not have fully grasped the weight of the events that transpired, despite his efforts to establish the significance right from the outset.
Taylor Sheridan Wanted Nothing But The Best
When questioned about the level of freedom that Taylor Sheridan possess, he remarked that he’s experienced an exceptional level of creative freedom, something comparable to the days when Robert Evans was at the helm of Paramount. Bobby Evans, having worked on movies prior to leading the studio, comprehended the art of granting creators autonomy. If trust is placed in them, it’s essential to let them flourish.
Back then, Paramount achieved remarkable cinematic feats, producing some of their finest works and contributing to some of the best films ever crafted.
“No one has had the freedom I’ve had since Robert Evans ran Paramount. Bobby Evans had made movies before he became the head of the studio and so he understood how to turn them loose. If you trust them, trust them, and turn them loose. And under his regime, Paramount made some of the best movies they’d ever made, some of the best movies ever made. The Godfather being one of them. Love Story, many others.”
Sheridan also placed a bet on Al Pacino’s talent, even mentioning that Pacino once needed to borrow five dollars from the studio to attend his own premiere.
1883 can be streamed on Paramount+.
Source: Deadline
