AMC makes a major a decision for ‘Dark Winds’ as Zahn McClarnon fans gear up for Season 4 release
Over the course of its three previous seasons, 'Dark Winds' has established itself as a moody noir show deeply rooted in Navajo culture, set against the backdrop of rapidly evolving 1970s Los Angeles. The AMC show takes only the best from its literary source material, while simultaneously providing Zahn McClarnon the perfect star vehicle with which the talented actor can score a home run every time. It does seem as if the show's continued success is here to stay, as AMC has officially greenlit Season 5 of 'Dark Winds' ahead of the Season 4 premiere on February 15, as confirmed by a Variety report.
"Over four seasons, ‘Dark Winds’ has masterfully blended compelling character-driven stories, Navajo culture, spirituality, and breathtaking cinematography," AMC Networks Chief Content Officer and President of AMC Studios Dan McDermott said while announcing the fifth season. His statement further read, "We are elated to continue the journey alongside showrunner John Wirth and the incomparable Zahn McClarnon. Our extraordinary producing and creative team, cast, and crew have crafted a gripping crime drama that continues to be embraced by fans and widely celebrated by critics. We can’t wait to share more of this incredible story with audiences across the globe."
'Dark Winds' features McClarnon as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito, and Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee. The three are representatives of the Navajo Tribal police, and the upcoming fourth season will see them involved in a "search for a missing Navajo girl, which takes Leaphorn, Chee and Manuelito from the safety of Navajo Nation to the gritty terrain of 1970s Los Angeles in a race against the clock to save her from an obsessive killer with ties to organized crime," per the official plot synopsis.
McClarnon, who also serves as one of the executive producers of the show alongside the late Robert Redford and George R. R. Martin, spoke highly of AMC Network in a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter: "Thank you to Kristin Dolan, Dan McDermott, and all of AMC Networks for continuing to support and believe in ‘Dark Winds. It’s such a privilege to embody the character of Joe Leaphorn, and I’m excited to return to Santa Fe with this amazing cast and crew to craft another thrilling season of the show that means so much to all of us."
Filming for Season 5 is expected to kick off in March in Santa Fe and will consist of eight hour-long episodes. The AMC show was created by Graham Roland, with John Wirth serving as the showrunner. Regarding the responsibility that entails the successful renewal of a popular show, Wirth commented, "For four seasons now, AMC Networks has provided us with the opportunity to entertain audiences through the unique lens of a traditional crime story set on the Navajo Nation in 1972. We are one of one and never take this strong support for granted. Thanks to everyone at AMC Networks, our talented writing staff, stunning cast, and a Santa Fe crew that’s become a training ground for Native artists, we’re thrilled to be coming back for a fifth season of Dark Winds.” The show is exclusively available on AMC.
