Helen Mirren recently opened up about her co-star Harrison Ford, sharing insights into how a profound exchange with the celebrated actor revealed significant changes in his attitude and approach to acting. This discussion comes ahead of the second season of the hit Paramount+ series, 1923, which premieres in February. The series serves as a prequel set long before the events of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone and portrays the Dutton family navigating the challenges of a quickly evolving America after World War I and throughout the 1920s.
In 1923, Mirren and Ford reprise their roles as Cara and Jacob Dutton, respectively, the then-leaders of the Dutton family. As Mirren engaged with Ford during promotional interviews for the upcoming season, she reflected on their first collaboration in the 1983 film The Mosquito Coast. Initially, she felt Ford was somewhat withdrawn and reluctant to embrace the fame that accompanied his stardom. However, she noted a stark contrast in their reunion during the filming of 1923, where it became evident that Ford had grown more open and vulnerable. “He was a huge star and he really didn’t want to be,” Mirren stated. “He wanted to just be a quiet person getting on with life, and of course, that’s kind of impossible.”
Mirren continued to express her admiration for Ford’s newfound willingness to share his inner feelings. She stated, “Something rather magical has happened to Harrison… Now there’s this open road to his inner feelings, which he is absolutely unafraid of expressing. It’s just a true, quick, instinctive emotional reaction to things, without sentimentality.” This shift in his demeanor highlights Ford’s emotional growth and evolution as an actor, making them a captivating duo on screen.
During filming, there was a particularly intense moment when Mirren recalled a bloody scene in which Ford referenced his near-fatal plane crash in 2015, suggesting the incident markedly changed his perspective on life. “He’s been carried into the kitchen, dying and covered in blood, and later Harrison did say to me, ‘That was how I was after the accident.’ I think, maybe, going through that experience just gave him a very different understanding of what it is to be a sentient human being,” Mirren relayed.
The 2015 crash was just one of many harrowing experiences Ford faced as a pilot; however, this particular incident significantly affected him. After experiencing engine failure in his vintage aircraft, he was forced to make an emergency landing on a golf course, resulting in hospitalization for nearly a month due to a large laceration and several broken bones. Since then, Ford has returned to flying, but he candidly admitted he hopes never to endure such a life-threatening event again, appreciating the emotional toll it took on his family.
Despite his long-standing association with legendary characters like Han Solo and Indiana Jones, Ford expressed a desire to not be pigeonholed in these roles, striving for a varied career. When he received the scripts for 1923, Ford felt an immediate connection to Jacob’s character, recognizing various parallels in their experiences, particularly with what he and his wife, Calista Flockhart, endured after the 2015 accident. This unique perspective enriches Ford’s portrayal of Jacob Dutton, adding emotional depth and authenticity.
Mirren’s observations don’t stand alone; many fans and industry insiders have noted a palpable shift in Ford’s approach to acting in his recent roles. While the actor has humorously commented on his reluctance towards the Star Wars franchise, stating his desire to be released from the identity of Han Solo, he has surprisingly embraced the character again in recent films like The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker. This return offered Ford the chance to add a new layer to Han Solo, portraying him with a mix of nostalgia and sophistication.
In addition to his role as Han Solo, Ford’s farewell to Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny allowed him to close a chapter while providing the character with a fitting and poignant conclusion. It’s clear that this journey and Ford’s evolution as an actor resonate within his performances; the insightful comments from Mirren only reinforce how his recent life experiences have profoundly shaped his craft.
The ongoing narrative of the Dutton family in 1923 represents more than just a series; it reflects the resilience of the human spirit, as portrayed through characters navigating the tumultuous events of American history and their personal struggles. Mirren’s acknowledgment of Ford’s transformation serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, and how real-life experiences can deeply influence storytelling and performance.
As both actors prepare to bring the Dutton legacy to life again, audiences eagerly await to see how past challenges continue to inform Ford’s evolving portrayal of Jacob. With the blend of Mirren’s insight and Ford’s journey, the new season promises to delve deeper into the complexities of human emotion, weaving a narrative that is relatable and inspirational.
