Brandon Sklenar reflects on his electrifying audition for Taylor Sheridan’s latest masterpiece and reveals what made him certain Spencer Dutton was his character.
The Moment of Realization: Sklenar’s Instant Connection to Spencer Dutton
In the world of television, there are few writers whose scripts can evoke such a powerful emotional reaction from actors as Taylor Sheridan. Known for his exceptional ability to craft riveting plotlines and complex characters, Sheridan’s prequel to Yellowstone, *1923*, proved no exception. And among the stars of the show, Brandon Sklenar’s portrayal of Spencer Dutton has garnered widespread praise.
But before he took on the role of Spencer, Sklenar was just another actor considering an audition. However, his experience with the *1923* script was anything but typical. When Sklenar first read the lines for his character, he didn’t just see words on a page – he felt an undeniable connection. In fact, he recalls that moment as one that gave him goosebumps, knowing deep down that this role was made for him.
“It wasn’t arrogance,” Sklenar explained during an interview with Interview Magazine’s Sydney Sweeney. “It was just a really calm sort of belief.” This instinctive feeling of belonging to the role of Spencer Dutton was so powerful that, in Sklenar’s words, the hairs on his arms stood up the moment he read the character’s storyline. “Yeah, this is mine. No one else can do this,” he confessed, a statement that reflects the kind of deep conviction only the most passionate actors possess.
Brandon Sklenar’s Confident Audition for Spencer Dutton
While it’s not uncommon for actors to experience nerves before an audition, Sklenar’s certainty about landing the role of Spencer Dutton was palpable. This wasn’t the first time he had felt such strong confidence in a role, but it was the first time for a character like Spencer.
“I had the same feeling when I auditioned for Edward Mapplethorpe,” Sklenar recalled, referencing a previous role in the film *Mapplethorpe* where he portrayed the photographer’s brother. “But I’ve never had anything like Spencer before.” This unique feeling, combined with the intensity of Sheridan’s writing, solidified Sklenar’s belief that the role was meant to be his.
The confidence wasn’t just in the script, but in the character itself. Spencer Dutton is a larger-than-life figure, and Sklenar could see his potential to embody this complex, multifaceted persona. From a World War I hero to a rugged cowboy with a moral compass that guides him through every challenge, Spencer Dutton was exactly the type of character that Sklenar was born to play.
Spencer Dutton: A Character That Resonates Deeply With Sklenar
So what makes Spencer Dutton such a captivating character, not just to fans, but to the actor who portrays him? According to Sklenar, Spencer embodies everything that makes a truly compelling, memorable figure in television. “On paper, he’s the coolest character on any television show out, in my opinion,” Sklenar shared during his interview.
Spencer’s rich backstory as a decorated World War I veteran, his skills as a big-game hunter, and his iconic cowboy persona all add layers to his character. Yet, it’s Spencer’s vulnerability and self-awareness that set him apart from the typical “tough guy” archetype often seen on TV. According to Sklenar, Spencer is “imbued with a very modern sense of himself” that makes him both timeless and relevant.
“[He’s] a lover. He’s a fighter. He has a strong moral compass, and he’s a great guy,” Sklenar continued. “He’s sort of the embodiment of this old-school, masculine archetype that you don’t really see at all in contemporary media.”
This unique blend of qualities is what drew Sklenar to Spencer and made him feel an undeniable connection. In fact, the actor notes that Spencer is “everything you want in a character”, making him even more of a dream role for Sklenar.
Why Spencer Dutton Stands Out in Today’s TV Landscape
It’s clear that Sklenar’s portrayal of Spencer Dutton wasn’t simply a performance; it was a love affair with a character who represents a rare combination of qualities. In today’s entertainment landscape, where complex characters are often the ones that break through to audiences, Spencer Dutton stands tall as a beacon of storytelling excellence.
As Sklenar eloquently put it, Spencer is “the coolest character” he’s seen on television. His sense of duty, his vulnerability, and his unwavering morality make him a standout figure in a world of gray moralities and antiheroes. Spencer Dutton is a character who is both timeless and thoroughly modern, and it’s no wonder that Sklenar was so moved by his story.
Fans who have already tuned into *1923* on Prime Video can certainly understand why Sklenar fell so deeply in love with his character. With his multifaceted portrayal, Sklenar brings a sense of depth and authenticity to Spencer Dutton, transforming him from a scripted figure into an unforgettable TV icon.