‘American Primeval’ Star Dane DeHaan Details “Intense” Scalping Scene

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If you’re among the many who watched Netflix’s latest sensation, American Primeval, over the weekend, you’re already aware of its intense moments. For those who haven’t seen it yet, be warned that this series doesn’t hold back in depicting the struggle between religion and culture in the American West. It even goes as far as to portray a character being (partially) scalped during the Mountain Meadows Massacre in the first episode. Now, actor Dane DeHaan shares his experience of enduring that harrowing knife scene.

Discussing the ‘American Primeval’ series with Decider, actor DeHann, who plays Jacob Pratt, shared insights about filming the scalping scene and its consequences. “It’s quite intense to experience a scalping,” he remarked, also mentioning that this particular moment was one of his favorite scenes to film in the show, mainly due to the impressive practical effects used.

The makeup creation process was truly remarkable, and it may even be my top collaboration for this project. Howard Berger led our team, but I worked closely with a fellow named Jamie Kellman on the makeup each day to ensure its authenticity and that it effectively conveyed the necessary story.

After the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Jacob is abandoned and Abish, his bride, is taken away. Though he manages to survive, the experience profoundly changes him. The scalping inflicted upon him leads to a gradual slide into madness as he struggles not only with his severe wound but also the psychological trauma from the event itself. For DeHaan, it was a deeply intense experience.

I find myself grappling with the complexities of severe head trauma psychosis, a challenge that’s certainly not working in my favor. I’m on a mission to seek justice for a massacre among my people, to find my wife, to reach Utah, and simply to stay alive. However, my grasp on reality is increasingly tenuous due to this debilitating condition, which seems to worsen day by day. It’s been a demanding journey, but it’s also been a fulfilling one.

Will ‘American Primeval’ Get a Season 2?

Starting January 9th, the limited series American Primeval was initially planned as a six-episode run. But according to its creator, Peter Berg, there could potentially be more if Netflix decides to bring the story back to the Old West. As he said to Decider, “There are definitely avenues we could explore.” If Indigenous Consultant Julie O’Keefe is willing to return, Berg would be open to further discussions about continuing the series.

One actor who seems hesitant about coming back is Kim Coates, portraying Governor Brigham Young. Although he might take up the role again if offered, he mentioned in an interview with MovieWeb that he didn’t plan for American Primeval to be just a single season series when he signed on.

I don’t plan on creating a follow-up for this topic. Instead, my aim is to make it the best that I can and hope that when people view this history lesson, they gain some insight or understanding from it.

While we’re hoping for news about the possible comeback of “American Primeval“, don’t forget to explore all six captivating episodes currently available for streaming on Netflix right now.

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2025-01-13 19:32