In the meticulously crafted world of 1923, the highly anticipated prequel to Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed Yellowstone saga, every detail contributes to the immersive experience, particularly in the embodiment of its central figures. A testament to this dedication is the painstaking process behind Harrison Ford’s iconic headwear for his role as Jacob Dutton. As revealed by celebrated costumer Janie Bryant in an interview with Variety, Ford, a seasoned actor at 80 years old, underwent a profound transformation to embody the rugged patriarch of the Dutton family. Bryant emphasized the immense significance of Jacob’s hat, stating, “It’s all about his hat. We made so many for him. All the different colors — trying the different creases, the different brims, the different crown heights.” This meticulous attention to detail underscores the hat’s symbolic weight in Western lore, representing not just a piece of clothing but a character’s identity, resilience, and unwavering connection to the land. After sifting through an astonishing 75 different hat prototypes, Bryant, Ford, and series creator Taylor Sheridan collectively settled on a specific light tan cowboy hat, a piece so distinct and integral to the character that it was aptly christened ‘The Jacob.’ Bryant further highlighted the deep collaborative spirit, noting, “Taylor is also very specific about the kind of hat that he likes, too. There was a lot of collaboration with Taylor, with Harrison, and myself, to create what I call the ‘Jacob.’” This synergy between costume design, actor’s input, and the creator’s vision ensures that even an accessory becomes a cornerstone of character development, reflecting Jacob Dutton’s unwavering resolve and his deep roots in the Montana wilderness.

Beyond the aesthetics, the commitment to authenticity extends to the very foundation of the series: its casting. Taylor Sheridan, renowned for his unconventional and often demanding approach to storytelling, detailed in a sit-down with Deadline the extraordinary lengths he undertook to secure Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren for their pivotal roles. This marked a significant moment for Ford, as 1923 represented his first major television series. Sheridan recounted that Ford, the legendary ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Star Wars’ actor, flew to Texas on his private plane to discuss a series that, remarkably, hadn’t even been written yet. Sheridan’s unique method involves casting key actors before penning the script, a strategy he explained with characteristic candor: “I’m done wondering who I’m writing for. And I have to go try to chase the person I had in my mind and I can’t get the person because they’re doing some fing Netflix show. I don’t do that sh anymore.” This audacious approach allows Sheridan to tailor narratives precisely to the strengths and presence of his chosen performers, fostering unparalleled depth and authenticity. He even revealed a playful ultimatum he gave Ford: commit to the demanding role of Jacob now, or the part would be offered to the equally esteemed Hollywood veteran Chris Cooper. Ultimately, Sheridan humorously admitted, it took “two bottles of wine” to convince Ford to fully embrace the challenge. The same persuasive tactic was successfully employed for Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren, who portrays Cara Dutton, Jacob’s formidable and equally determined wife, establishing a powerful lead duo central to the series’ success.

The on-screen chemistry and gravitas brought by Ford and Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton are crucial given the tumultuous era 1923 portrays. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, the series plunges the Dutton family into a period rife with historical challenges: the looming Great Depression, the socio-economic upheavals of Prohibition, devastating cattle diseases, and relentless conflicts over land and resources with rival ranchers, sheep herders, and Native American tribes. The premiere episode vividly demonstrated the family’s grim reality, notably featuring Cara Dutton’s stark act of killing a trespasser, a moment that immediately established the brutal necessities of their existence and the lengths to which they would go to protect their legacy. This narrative depth, combined with stellar performances, resonated profoundly with audiences from its very first broadcast.

Upon its premiere, 1923 immediately proved a monumental success, reinforcing the widespread appeal of the Yellowstone universe. The initial episode garnered a reported 7.4 million viewers across its various airings, instantly making it the biggest cable premiere of 2022 and setting a new record for Paramount+. This impressive viewership underscores the effectiveness of Paramount’s franchise strategy. Tanya Giles, Chief Programming Officer at Paramount Streaming, lauded the achievement, stating, “Anchored by Taylor Sheridan’s incredible vision and the performances of legends Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, we felt confident this next chapter of the Dutton Family origin story would resonate with audiences. We are thrilled with the record-breaking early response to the first episode and can’t wait to introduce more audiences to this incredible journey of perseverance, heartbreak and adventure set amongst the backdrop of the Mountain West.” Chris McCarthy, President and CEO of Paramount Media Networks and MTV Entertainment Studios, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the growing power and strategic importance of the Yellowstone universe: “The Yellowstone universe continues to break records, with our latest chapter, 1923 scoring as the most watched premiere ever on Paramount+ and debuting as the 1 new cable premiere of the year on linear. Taylor Sheridan continues to tap a cultural nerve that has proven irresistible to viewers from across the country and around the world, with this newest installment showing no signs of slowing down — proving yet again the power of our franchise strategy to fuel the future of Paramount+.” The success of 1923 not only cemented its place as a compelling standalone narrative but also further solidified the interconnected Yellowstone saga as a dominant force in contemporary television, demonstrating Sheridan’s unparalleled ability to craft narratives that capture the rugged spirit of the American West and the enduring struggle for family and land.