Betty Gilpin & Taylor Kitsch Discuss Character Transformations and Collaboration with Peter Berg in American Primeval

Taylor Kitsch and Peter Berg Collaborate Again in American Primeval

Taylor Kitsch and director Peter Berg are joining forces once more for their fifth project, American Primeval, which also stars the talented Betty Gilpin. This partnership traces back to their initial work on the acclaimed series Friday Night Lights, marking a significant leap in Kitsch’s acting career. Their collaboration continued with the films Battleship (2012), Lone Survivor (2013), and most recently, Painkiller (2023).

Plot Overview of American Primeval

Directed by Berg, American Primeval delves into the perilous landscape of the American West in 1857, depicting historical events such as the Mormon Mountain Meadows Massacre. In this gripping tale, Gilpin portrays Sara Rowell, a high-society mother embarking on a dangerous journey with her son to reunite with her husband, all while harboring a dark secret. Kitsch takes on the role of Isaac, a complex and enigmatic tracker with a troubled past, who reluctantly agrees to assist Sara and her son on their harrowing expedition.

Star-studded Ensemble Cast

The cast also features notable actors including Jai Courtney from The Suicide Squad, Shea Whigham from Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, Dane DeHaan from Oppenheimer, Kim Coates from Sons of Anarchy, as well as Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Preston Mota, and Derek Hinkey, among others. This diverse ensemble promises a balanced mix of character-driven drama and intense portrayals of the Old West, offering a poignant reflection on America’s historical struggles.

Insights from the Cast

As the launch date approaches, ScreenRant caught up with Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch to discuss their performances in American Primeval. Gilpin shared her commitment to portraying Sara as an authentic character, demonstrating her evolution from a timid mother to a fierce survivor. She aimed to avoid conventional tropes and instead focused on depicting Sara’s vulnerability and strength in a harsh environment.

Sara’s Transformation

Betty Gilpin's Sara looking angry at someone in American Primeval

Betty Gilpin: Thank you! It was crucial for me that Sara didn’t feel like a conventional action heroine. Instead, I wanted the audience to grasp that she was completely out of her depth, caught in an atmosphere that challenged her every belief. Portraying her journey authentically, where she must reveal her hidden strengths against overwhelming odds, was my priority.

Kitsch Discusses Isaac’s Depth

Kitsch also elaborated on his character, Isaac, who embodies complexity and internal conflict. He expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Berg once again, emphasizing the trust and creative freedom they share. He found the interplay between Isaac’s darker traits and his desire for connection to be a captivating challenge.

Finding Balance in Complexity

Taylor Kitsch's Isaac screaming in anguish in American Primeval

Taylor Kitsch: Working with Pete allows you to delve into the character deeply. His direction and the caliber of writing from Mark L. Smith helped me navigate Isaac’s emotional journey. Revealing his vulnerability to Sara and the audience was essential to showing that he’s far more than just a troubled character.

About American Primeval

The narrative is set against the backdrop of 1857 America, where chaos, fear, and conflict reign. The series illustrates a time of cultural struggle as individuals fight for survival amidst violent clashes. American Primeval serves as a dramatized exploration of this turbulent era.

The project boasts a remarkable team of creative talents, including director and executive producer Pete Berg, writer Mark L. Smith, along with executive producers Eric Newman and Alex Gayner. The cast includes Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, and others, ensuring a rich and diverse portrayal of this critical period in American history. Indigenous Cultural Consultant Julie O’Keefe and various artisans lend invaluable perspectives to enhance the authenticity of the narrative.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8WMvCrywYg

American Primeval | Official Trailer | Netflix (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8WMvCrywYg)

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