Exploring The Cast And Characters Of AMC's Acclaimed Series Dark Winds

One of the most acclaimed original series on AMC is the crime thriller Dark Winds, adapting author Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels. After premiering in 2022, Dark Winds returned for a well-received second season in 2023. This gripping series not only captivates audiences with its intricate plots and stunning visuals but also introduces viewers to a rich cast of characters that bring the narrative to life. The actors' performances resonate with authenticity, reflecting the show’s deep cultural roots and compelling storytelling.

In Dark Winds, we dive into the world of Navajo County, where the lives of the characters intertwine amidst crime, mystery, and personal struggles. Each character is vividly portrayed, giving audiences a glimpse into their backgrounds, motivations, and the challenges they face. Let’s take a closer look at the major actors of Dark Winds Season 2 and the roles they embody.

The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn, Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee, and Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito, among others. These actors not only bring their characters to life but also contribute to the narrative's depth, making Dark Winds a standout series in contemporary television.

All Major Actors for Dark Winds Season 2

Zahn McClarnon as Joe Leaphorn

Executive producer Zahn McClarnon stars as Dark Winds protagonist Joe Leaphorn, a no-nonsense tribal police officer in the small town of Kayenta within Navajo County. When the series begins, Leaphorn and his wife are still mourning the accidental death of their only son who perished at an oil drilling site. McClarnon has also appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Echo and Hawkeye, as well as in a memorable supporting role in Doctor Sleep.

Kiowa Gordon as Jim Chee

Leaphorn’s newest deputy at the start of Dark Winds is Jim Chee, played by Kiowa Gordon. Chee started out as an undercover FBI agent assigned to keep an eye on his superior’s interests in Navajo County before deciding to give his full loyalty to solving crimes on and around the reservation. Gordon appeared prominently in The Twilight Saga movies as werewolf Embry Call, a close friend to fellow werewolf Jacob Black.

Jessica Matten as Bernadette Manuelito

Rounding out the Kayenta tribal police’s leading trio is Deputy Bernadette Manuelito, who has worked alongside Leaphorn for several years and is the only woman currently on the force. Played by Jessica Matten, Manuelito can more than hold her own in the face of the county’s most nefarious threats and develops a burgeoning romantic interest in Chee. Matten’s biggest role outside of Dark Winds to date is in the 2020 horror movie The Empty Man.

Deanna Allison as Emma Leaphorn

Joe’s spouse is Emma Leaphorn, who works as a nurse primarily out of the maternity ward at the local hospital. As strong-willed as her husband, Emma is a prominent part of the community and helps those in need, especially the young Sally Growing Thunder. Dark Winds marks actor Deanna Allison’s biggest acting role to date, with Allison being a Navajo member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes.

Elva Guerra as Sally Growing Thunder

In the first season, Joe and Emma took Sally Growing Thunder, a pregnant teenager from a particularly troubled domestic background, into their home for refuge. Since the events of Dark Winds Season 1, Sally has given birth to a son and is raising him with the help of the Leaphorns and the fresh start they’ve given her. Sally is played by Elva Guerra of the Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, with Guerra having previously appeared in the acclaimed comedy Reservation Dogs.

Nicholas Logan as Colton Wolf

The primary antagonist of Dark Winds Season 2, Colton Wolf is a sadistic killer prowling Navajo County and the surrounding area, putting him on a collision course with Leaphorn. Wolf is revealed to have well-connected benefactors as he unleashes a domestic terrorist rampage on the reservation, including bombing the local hospital. Actor Nicholas Logan has appeared in the comedy noir series Hap and Leonard as well as the acclaimed drama miniseries Dopesick.

John Diehl as B.J. Vines

A local business magnate with deep ties to the reservation, B.J. Vines is the aloof husband

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