Sometimes, the best decisions are made not with a script, but with a leap of faith. This sentiment echoed in countless stories and one that rang true for Harrison Ford as he stepped into the world of 1923. The man who made Han Solo and Indiana Jones iconic took a chance on this venture for one simple, heartwarming reason: Helen Mirren.
But while Ford was all in for the opportunity to work with Mirren again, we can’t help but think he might have jumped the gun on trusting Taylor Sheridan without a second opinion. After all, it’s not every day you decide to join a show with only one meeting under your belt and no solid script in hand.
Sure, Sheridan has made quite a name for himself with Yellowstone, but let’s not forget how his involvement led to some tension with Kevin Costner, who felt his character was sidelined in the franchise. This left us wondering: Would consulting Costner have given him a better perspective on what really went down behind the scenes?
Harrison Ford’s 1923 decision: Trusting Helen Mirren & Taylor Sheridan over the script
Harrison Ford’s leap into TV, specifically in 1923, wasn’t a decision that came lightly. However, according to the actor himself, his commitment was more about reuniting with his old friend, Helen Mirren, than anything else. In fact, he admitted that his decision to join was based on the belief that Mirren’s wisdom would guide him toward the right choice (via TheWrap):
I took the job only because my friend there had signed up already, and knowing her, the wisdom of her choices and the opportunity that she alone presents. Forget about the script, I signed on knowing some of what Taylor had done, having had a very, very detailed conversation with him on our one meeting prior to shooting.
He was willing to take a risk based on his trust in Mirren, and perhaps the confidence that Taylor Sheridan’s ambition would lead to something worthwhile. And let’s be honest—who could resist the magic that happens when Ford and Mirren share the screen again?
Harrison Ford’s blind trust in Taylor Sheridan: A risky move?
While Harrison Ford was undoubtedly excited about the project and his reunion with Helen Mirren, we’re not entirely sure it was wise to trust Taylor Sheridan with blind faith. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a high-profile project, especially when you’re surrounded by good vibes from an actor like Mirren.
But it’s important to remember that Sheridan’s approach to storytelling has caused some controversy, especially in relation to his working relationship with Kevin Costner during the Yellowstone franchise. The actor’s departure from the series was attributed to creative differences with Sheridan, leading to significant changes in the show’s direction. This fallout has raised questions about Sheridan’s handling of creative control and his relationships with key actors.
The tensions between Sheridan and Costner have had a noticeable impact on Yellowstone. The latter’s exit led to the death of his character, John Dutton, and a shift in the storyline. Had Costner remained, his role as governor could have introduced new challenges and deepened family conflicts, potentially extending the show’s narrative. Many fans believe Sheridan’s ego ultimately sabotaged Yellowstone, sealing the fate of John Dutton’s character.
While Harrison Ford’s excitement about 1923 was palpable, what got us a bit confused was how the show picked up the pieces after the heart-wrenching finale of 1883, only to brush aside its brilliant, tormented characters like yesterday’s news. After all the emotional build-up in 1883, it felt almost jarring to see those characters dismissed so quickly in favor of a new storyline. This shift left a lot of viewers wondering what the real focus of 1923 was supposed to be.
In hindsight, Ford’s decision to collaborate with Sheridan, influenced by his admiration for Mirren, may have been more prudent had he considered the complexities of Sheridan’s professional relationships, particularly with Costner. Understanding these dynamics could have provided a clearer picture of the creative environment he was entering.
1923 and Yellowstone are streaming on Paramount+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
