On Monday night, NeueHouse Hollywood buzzed with energy as hundreds of fans attended an Emmys FYC panel featuring the cast and creators of AMC’s acclaimed noir thriller Dark Winds. The series stars Zahn McClarnon, Jenna Elfman, Jessica Matten, Kiowa Gordon, Jeremiah Bitsui, Deanna Allison, and executive producer John Wirth, all of whom shared behind-the-scenes insights and personal connections to the show’s deep cultural themes.
Currently in its third season, Dark Winds explores the complex lives of Navajo law enforcement officers in the 1970s as they solve modern-day crimes while confronting historical trauma. Actor Kiowa Gordon, who portrays Officer Jim Chee, shared how the role allowed him to reconcile his multi-ethnic background, combining Native American and Irish heritage.
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“I’ve taken a big part of my life and translated it into what Chee has gone through. I come from a mixed background — Hualapai from Arizona through my mom and Scottish through my dad,” Gordon explained. “For most of my life, I felt like I didn’t belong. But with this cast, I’ve found a place where I can be raw, passionate, and vulnerable.”
Reclaiming Identity Through Performance
Series lead Zahn McClarnon, who plays Joe Leaphorn, opened up about portraying a character dealing with the psychological scars of being sent to a Christian boarding school. Drawing from personal experience, McClarnon emphasized the importance of a supportive cast environment.
“Joe’s trauma mirrors things I’ve experienced — especially the Ketamine dream scenes. I just brought my own life into it,” he shared. “Surrounding yourself with people who care makes a huge difference.”
Expanding Artistic Range
Joining the cast in season three, Jenna Elfman plays FBI agent Sylvia Washington, a character who investigates a death possibly tied to Joe. Elfman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to explore serious drama after years in comedy roles.
“AMC gave me the chance to show a different side of my artistry. As actors, we’re often boxed into genres — but here, I’ve been able to break that mold,” said Elfman.
Cultural Resilience On Screen
Deanna Allison, portraying Joe’s wife Emma Leaphorn, faced an emotionally intense season as her marriage unraveled. Allison explained how her upbringing in a Native American community gave her the tools to authentically represent Emma’s inner strength.
“My mother always prepared me for adversity,” she said. “In our coming-of-age ceremony, we learn to push through hardship. That tradition gave me the stamina to go into the emotional depths Emma required.”
A Night of Culture and Art
The panel concluded with a live performance by the musical duo Mozart and Gabriel, adding a soulful layer to the evening. With season three of Dark Winds having wrapped up in April, fans eagerly anticipate the return of the series in season four, expected to premiere in 2026.
