Helen Mirren revealed she never liked Westerns but was drawn to 1923 because of its strong female characters. The Yellowstone prequel, created by Taylor Sheridan, follows Jacob and Cara Dutton as they fight to protect their family’s ranch during the early 20th century. Starring Mirren and Harrison Ford, 1923 has been well-received and earned a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score. The series, which streams on Paramount+, broadens Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe and expands the Dutton family’s history. 1923 season 2 premiered on February 23.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mirren explains her past disinterest in Westerns stemmed from how women are typically portrayed in the genre. She credits Sheridan for writing compelling female roles, and emphasizes that 1923 presents women as fully realized characters rather than background figures. She notes that when she was younger, she rarely saw these kinds of roles on screen, which made 1923 stand out. Check out her comments below:

Mirren: Young women should be very grateful to Taylor Sheridan for writing such great women roles. Cara [Mirren’s character] is just one of them. He’s written a whole series of great, great women’s roles. Those roles didn’t exist when I was growing up in our business. Even as an audience member, I never saw these people on the screen. I never really liked Westerns because the women in them were so awful. I just love the fact that young women now can watch 1923 or any of Taylor’s pieces and see really interesting, complicated, vulnerable, strong… just real people who happen to be women on the screen.

Who know how to use a shotgun, too.

Mirren: That’s not the most important thing at all. It’s having complexity as a character.

What This Means For 1923 & Genre Storytelling

Mirren Was Drawn To 1923’s Portrayal Of Women

Sheridan’s Yellowstone franchise, including 1883 and 1923, prioritizes historical accuracy and nuanced narratives. 1923 integrates real-world events, including Indigenous boarding schools and economic hardship, which sets it apart from earlier Westerns that often romanticized frontier life. 1923 diverges from traditional Westerns, which have been around since the 1800s, by incorporating historical realism and multidimensional female characters. The show explores Prohibition, the Great Depression’s early effects, and conflicts between ranchers and industrial expansion. Cara Dutton, as a central figure, contrasts with the conventional Western archetype of women as passive figures or love interests.

Despite Mirren’s extensive career, which spans genre films like The Queen, Gosford Park, and The Long Good Friday, 1923 is the only Western she has ever done, and her comments highlight a current industry trend. Westerns have evolved from male-dominated narratives into more balanced portrayals, with other shows like Godless and The English centering on female leads. The series continues this trend by giving Cara Dutton an active role in the family’s survival, rather than relegating her to the sidelines. Similarly, in 1923‘s cast, Alexandra Dutton, Spencer’s wife, follows a similar pattern to Cara by being balanced, nuanced, and resilient.

Our Take On Helen Mirren’s Perspective of 1923

The Western Genre Has Come A Long Way

Mirren’s reasoning for joining 1923 speaks to how much Westerns have changed over time. The genre once sidelined women as damsels in distress, but modern iterations have made them central to the story. 1923 stands out not just for its historical depth but for its commitment to portraying women as integral to the narrative. Mirren’s praise of Sheridan’s writing reinforces why 1923 has resonated with audiences, proving that the Western genre is no longer bound by its past limitations.

Our Take On Helen Mirren’s Perspective of 1923

The Western Genre Has Come A Long Way

Mirren’s reasoning for joining 1923 speaks to how much Westerns have changed over time. The genre once sidelined women as damsels in distress, but modern iterations have made them central to the story. 1923 stands out not just for its historical depth but for its commitment to portraying women as integral to the narrative. Mirren’s praise of Sheridan’s writing reinforces why 1923 has resonated with audiences, proving that the Western genre is no longer bound by its past limitations.