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Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly Discuss New Romantic Western Series “Ransom Canyon”
Actors Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly recently opened up about their upcoming romantic western series, “Ransom Canyon,” which has already sparked comparisons to popular series like “Yellowstone” and “Virgin River.”
In an interview with “Extra,” both Duhamel and Kelly expressed that while it’s flattering to be likened to “Yellowstone,” their series ultimately stands on its own. Kelly remarked, “I would say they’re in the same sandbox. I don’t know how actually similar we would be to ‘Yellowstone,’ so I don’t wanna get anyone’s hopes up looking for ‘Yellowstone.’ We’re really our own entire world.”
Kelly explained that the series shares some thematic similarities, including the picturesque settings of ranches, cowboys, and rich family drama. “There’s a lot of family dysfunction, too,” Duhamel added, indicating that “Ransom Canyon” finds its unique footing between the tones of both “Yellowstone” and “Virgin River.”
Central to the series are the intricate dynamics between their characters, Staten Kirkland and Quinn O’Grady. Duhamel described his character as deeply troubled, having endured the loss of his wife and son, a situation that adds layers of complexity to the narrative. “This dude is broken… It’s just a lot to play. For me as an actor, it was really fun, especially with somebody like her,” he shared, highlighting his professional camaraderie with Kelly.
This project marks the first collaboration between Duhamel and Kelly, although their initial encounter is somewhat of a blur for Kelly. Duhamel recounted an interaction they had on a flight, to which Kelly admitted she didn’t remember the conversation, joking, “Maybe I was too intimidated and I blocked it out because I couldn’t believe Josh Duhamel was talking to me.”
The chemistry between the two extends beyond their characters. Kelly praised Duhamel for making their work together enjoyable and effortless. She explained that Quinn’s journey in the series revolves around a woman discovering her own strength while navigating complex relationships. “The tale as old as time of a woman thinking she can fix or save a man,” Kelly remarked, emphasizing the importance of recognizing unhealthy patterns and choosing self-care.
She elaborated on her character’s internal struggle, saying, “I love the idea of playing a woman… actually say no to the man that she loves, which is one of the hardest things you can do.” The “will they, won’t they” dynamic plays a significant role in the storyline, making it relatable to many viewers. “I’ve been in these relationships,” she reflected, emphasizing the common conflict between following one’s heart versus one’s mind.
Duhamel shared personal insights from his own life during filming, which coincided closely with the birth of his son, Shepherd. He fondly recalled that his son was born just weeks before they began shooting, adding nostalgia to the experience. “Raising a baby from the early days is… a lot, so it was a really fond moment in time for me,” he revealed.
Fans can look forward to exploring the world of “Ransom Canyon,” which premieres on Netflix on April 17.
Source
extratv.com