Brandon Sklenar Shares Lighthearted Stories from the Serious World of 1923

Brandon Sklenar, known for his intense role as Spencer Dutton in the Yellowstone prequel 1923, recently shared a surprising look at life on set. In a television interview, the actor joked about the show’s serious tone and revealed fun moments working with legendary co-stars, creating a contrast to his character’s gritty story.

The Two Smiles of Spencer Dutton

During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the conversation turned to the heavy atmosphere of 1923. The series, set during a time of drought, violence, and the early Great Depression, is not known for its cheerfulness. Sklenar agreed with this assessment in a memorable way.

“I smiled twice. I literally smiled twice… Barely,” Sklenar told the host.

This comment highlighted the constant gravity his character, Spencer, carried. As a World War I veteran fighting to return to his family and ranch, the role demanded a persistent seriousness that rarely allowed for lighthearted moments on camera.

Unexpected Laughter with Harrison Ford

While smiles were scarce in front of the camera, Sklenar recalled one moment that broke through the intensity. He shared a story about working with his legendary co-star, Harrison Ford, who plays family patriarch Jacob Dutton.

In a scene where Spencer finally returns to the ranch and reunites with his uncle Jacob, the emotional weight was immense. Sklenar described a moment where the reality of acting opposite Ford fully hit him. Although the specific cause of the laughter wasn’t detailed, Sklenar acknowledged it was a rare instance where the serious tone of the set lifted, thanks to Ford’s presence.

Sklenar also spoke highly of working with Helen Mirren, who plays Cara Dutton. He said scenes with the esteemed actress carried a significant weight that added to the overall gravity of the production.

A Cardboard Cutout on Tour

Away from the ranch set, a lighter, personal story emerged involving Sklenar’s friends. While the actor was away filming, his friends took a life-sized cardboard cutout of him—likely used for promotion—on a trip to a music festival.

“They brought the cutout to a music festival and sent me pictures,” Sklenar recounted, laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

The host, Seth Meyers, added that the show even tried to get a cutout for their own studio but couldn’t secure one in time because they kept selling out. Meyers joked about the high demand for a Brandon Sklenar cardboard standee.

Building a Personal Collection from the Set

As 1923 recently wrapped its second and final season, Sklenar admitted to taking home several meaningful props to remember his time as Spencer Dutton.

“I have his hat. I have his passport, which is very cool. It’s like very real, like a 1920s passport,” Sklenar told People magazine. “And I have some bullet shells, some casings from World War I. I got some patches from his uniform. I got a little Spencer Dutton collection for sure”.

The hat was a particularly important item for the actor. “I was taking his hat for sure,” he confirmed. These souvenirs represent nearly three years of his life dedicated to the role, a period he described as transformative.

“That character became such a part of me, and it will be for the rest of my life,” Sklenar reflected. He expressed how much he would miss “playing in that world” and portraying a character who was “a cowboy and also a World War I veteran, and a hunter and a fighter, and someone who just does it all for the love of their family”.

On-Screen Chemistry with Julia Schlaepfer

A key element of Spencer’s story is his epic romance with Alexandra, played by Julia Schlaepfer. Sklenar credited their instant and natural chemistry for bringing the couple’s passionate and banter-filled relationship to life.

He explained that creator Taylor Sheridan, known for his intuitive casting, never made them do a formal chemistry read. Sheridan believed they would connect just by spending time with them individually.

“We had incredible chemistry from the jump, and it was so easy to work together,” Sklenar said. He believes the natural shorthand and banter he and Schlaepfer shared as people translated directly into their on-screen relationship, making their scenes hit with authenticity.

Sklenar confirmed that he will deeply miss having Schlaepfer as a scene partner. Fans have also celebrated their pairing, with one calling them “the best part of that show” in reactions to behind-the-scenes content.

Looking to the Future After the Dutton Ranch

With 1923 concluded, Sklenar’s time in the Yellowstone universe may not be completely over. The series finale offered a glimpse into Spencer’s future, hinting he could appear in the next announced prequel, 1944.

Reprising the role in 1944 “is something I would be interested in doing,” Sklenar told Variety.

For now, audiences can see Sklenar in a completely different role. He recently finished work on the film The Housemaid, directed by Paul Feig and starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. He described the experience as a creative shift from 1923, with a more open and playful set atmosphere that encouraged improvisation.

Both seasons of 1923, featuring all of Spencer Dutton’s trials, travels, and his two famous smiles, are available to stream on Paramount+.

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