Taylor Sheridan Warned Julia Schlaepfer He Was Going to ‘Drag’ Her ‘Through Hell’ in 1923 Season 2 (Exclusive)
Table of Contents
Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the wildly successful Yellowstone universe, has built a reputation for creating gritty, dramatic, and emotionally intense stories that push characters—and, in many cases, actors—to their limits. Known for his tough love approach to storytelling, Sheridan’s shows often feature complex, morally ambiguous characters navigating extreme circumstances. With 1923 Season 2, a prequel to Yellowstone that explores the early days of the Dutton family’s legendary ranch, Sheridan took his usual approach to the next level, and Julia Schlaepfer, who plays Alexandra, was caught right in the middle of it. In an exclusive interview, Schlaepfer revealed that Sheridan had warned her beforehand that her character would go through “hell” during the season—and he wasn’t kidding.
A New Frontier in the Yellowstone Universe Taylor Sheridan
Set in the aftermath of Yellowstone and 1883, 1923 brings a new generation of the Dutton family into focus, as they struggle to survive the harsh realities of early 20th-century America. The Duttons face everything from the changing landscapes of the American West to violent encounters with both indigenous tribes and competing ranchers. Sheridan’s storytelling is full of tension, historical references, and deep character development, all of which make 1923 an exhilarating ride. It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from its gritty nature—its characters face unimaginable hardships, and viewers are forced to reckon with the trauma that shapes them.
In 1923, Julia Schlaepfer’s character, Alexandra, is introduced as a new love interest for Jack Dutton (played by Darren Mann). Alexandra’s journey in the story becomes intertwined with the Duttons’ ongoing struggle for survival. As the season progresses, Alexandra’s character experiences emotional and physical challenges that put her through the emotional ringer. She’s forced to confront societal expectations, family pressures, and her own desires in a way that challenges her beliefs and her identity.
However, as Schlaepfer reveals in her exclusive interview, her character’s journey isn’t just a matter of love and family—it’s about surviving a brutal, unrelenting world that’s actively working against her.
Taylor Sheridan’s Warning to Julia Schlaepfer Taylor Sheridan
When Schlaepfer first joined the show, she was eager to bring Alexandra to life in a way that was true to the character’s emotional depth and complexity. But when she had her first meeting with Taylor Sheridan, it was clear that the stakes were high—and they were about to get even higher. According to Schlaepfer, Sheridan didn’t mince words when it came to what she could expect from the role.
“He straight-up told me, ‘I’m going to drag you through hell,’” Schlaepfer recalls with a chuckle. “I think that was his way of preparing me, because what Alexandra goes through this season is a rollercoaster. I had no idea what I was in for, but once we started filming, I quickly understood.”
Sheridan’s warning was not one of caution or hesitation but rather a reflection of the intensity he demands from his actors. It was a foreshadowing of the emotional toll that would be placed on Schlaepfer’s character, and by extension, on her as an actor. Sheridan, known for his brutally honest and sometimes overwhelming style, is not one to back down from pushing his performers to the edge, and Schlaepfer was about to experience this firsthand.
Emotional and Physical Turmoil for Alexandra Taylor Sheridan
Alexandra’s journey in 1923 is one filled with heartache, sacrifice, and the continuous struggle to maintain her integrity while navigating a world that often devalues her. In Season 2, Alexandra faces a number of personal challenges—some of which directly involve the Dutton family, and others that are a reflection of the harsh realities of life during this time period.
As Schlaepfer explains, her character’s challenges are not just physical, but emotional as well. “Alexandra finds herself trapped in a situation where she has to constantly choose between her own desires and her duty to others,” Schlaepfer says. “She’s a woman in a time when choices for women were extremely limited. She’s in love with Jack, but the world is not going to make it easy for them.”
One of the pivotal moments for Alexandra in 1923 Season 2 involves a series of harrowing events that leave her vulnerable and questioning everything she thought she knew about the world and herself. Schlaepfer notes that these moments required her to tap into deep emotional reserves as an actor, as she found herself in situations that required both vulnerability and strength. From moments of pure despair to the fierce determination to survive, Alexandra’s evolution across the season is nothing short of remarkable.
The intensity of the scenes had Schlaepfer pushing herself in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “There are scenes in this season where I was physically exhausted by the end of the day. But then there were emotional scenes where I had to go to places that were really uncomfortable,” she admits. “It wasn’t easy, but it was rewarding. Taylor is very particular about getting the right moments, and sometimes that meant doing multiple takes to make sure the emotion was real and raw.”
The Impact of Sheridan’s Directing Style Taylor Sheridan
One of the unique aspects of working on a Taylor Sheridan production is the level of dedication and intensity he demands from his cast and crew. Known for being a meticulous director, Sheridan doesn’t shy away from pushing actors to their limits. Schlaepfer acknowledges that this is both a challenge and an opportunity to grow as an actor.
“Taylor has a very clear vision of what he wants, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it. He doesn’t let you settle for an easy performance. He wants to see you fight for every scene,” she says. “That can be intimidating, but it also pushes you to be better. You can’t be afraid to fail. Taylor doesn’t want perfection; he wants authenticity.”
Schlaepfer also notes that Sheridan’s understanding of the historical context in which 1923 is set adds a layer of complexity to the production. “He is so knowledgeable about the time period, the struggles people faced, and how the Duttons fit into the bigger picture. That authenticity really comes through in the story, and it pushes us as actors to give performances that honor the history and the pain of that time.”
For Schlaepfer, this meant that her portrayal of Alexandra wasn’t just about delivering lines or hitting emotional beats—it was about embodying a character who represents the struggles of women in the early 20th century. “I had to understand that Alexandra wasn’t just fighting for her love or survival. She was also fighting against a system that wasn’t designed for her to win. That was an important part of understanding her arc.”
The Dutton Legacy and Alexandra’s Role Taylor Sheridan
While 1923 is centered on the Dutton family and their legacy, Alexandra’s role in the story offers a unique perspective on how the Duttons’ actions impact those around them. As Jack Dutton’s love interest, Alexandra is often caught between her personal desires and the legacy of the Dutton family, which carries both honor and violence. Her relationship with Jack offers a sense of hope and tenderness, but it’s constantly at odds with the harsh reality of their world.
Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alexandra emphasizes the internal conflict between wanting to forge her own path while being tied to a man and a family that is constantly fighting for survival. “Alexandra represents a kind of innocence and hope in this world, but she’s also forced to reckon with the reality of what that hope costs,” Schlaepfer explains. “Her relationship with Jack is complicated by the dangers surrounding them, and she can’t just escape that. She has to deal with the consequences.”
As the season unfolds, Alexandra finds herself facing increasingly difficult decisions, many of which involve not only her own survival but also her ability to protect the people she loves. The emotional and physical toll of these moments is immense, and Schlaepfer’s performance is a testament to her ability to navigate the complexities of the character.
Conclusion: A Performance of a Lifetime Taylor Sheridan
As 1923 Season 2 continues to unfold, it’s clear that Julia Schlaepfer’s portrayal of Alexandra is one of the standout performances of the season. From the challenges her character faces to the emotional and physical journey she undergoes, Schlaepfer has proven herself as an actor capable of handling the weight of Taylor Sheridan’s vision.
Sheridan may have warned Schlaepfer that he would “drag” her through hell, but in the end, it’s clear that the journey through that hell is what makes her performance so unforgettable. Alexandra’s story is one of survival, sacrifice, and the fight to preserve a sense of self in a world determined to break her. Thanks to Schlaepfer’s incredible talent and dedication, viewers will be able to witness this character’s transformation in all its heartbreaking glory. As 1923 Season 2 continues, one thing is certain: Alexandra’s journey is far from over, and the hell she’s been dragged through has only just begun.
