Summary
The cast of Reservation Dogs, known for their authentic portrayal of American Indigenous communities, are moving on to new TV shows and movies.
Devery Jacobs, known for her role as Elora Danan on Reservation Dogs, has been cast in the upcoming Backspot series and Marvel's Echo. Additionally, the ensemble cast, featuring D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Paulina Alexis, Lane Factor, Zahn McClarnon, Dallas Goldtooth, Kaniehtiio Horn, Sarah Podemski, Tamara Podemski, Elva Guerra, and Kirk Fox, have a range of exciting projects in the works.
The critically acclaimed Reservation Dogs is now in its third and final season, and the main cast is already looking towards their next TV and movie projects. When Reservation Dogs first premiered in August 2021, it made history as the first-ever TV series with all Indigenous writers and directors, as well as a predominantly Indigenous North American cast and production team. The show has garnered praise from critics, earning a spot on many top-10 lists and receiving accolades such as an American Film Institute Award. It also boasts an impressive 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
One of the standout aspects of Reservation Dogs is its ensemble cast, especially the actors who portray the four teenage protagonists. They have received recognition for their chemistry and their authentic portrayal of life and culture in American Indigenous communities. The show fills a void that has existed in the TV and film industry for many years, providing much-needed representation. Reservation Dogs is also commended for skillfully addressing challenging issues like colonialism, racism, poverty, and suicide with heartfelt storytelling.
Although the series is coming to a close, the cast members of Reservation Dogs are already lining up new TV and movie projects in the coming months.
11 Devery Jacobs
10 D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai
Devery Jacobs, the talented actress who plays the role of teenager Elora Danan in Reservation Dogs, has a jam-packed schedule. This autumn, she will be seen alongside Evan Rachel Wood in the thrilling cheerleading film Backspot. Additionally, she has a significant part as Julie in Marvel's Echo series, which is streaming on Disney+. Jacobs is also lending her voice to a character in the animated series ARK: The Animated Series, based on the popular video game. This star-studded show features renowned actors such as David Tennant, Michelle Yeoh, Elliott Page, and Russell Crowe. With her captivating portrayal of Elora Danan in Reservation Dogs, Jacobs has already garnered acclaim, and her exceptional talent is set to captivate an even larger audience in these exciting new projects.
Reprising his role as the teenage Bear Smallhill on Reservation Dogs, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is set to captivate audiences once again in the upcoming slasher-comedy film Hell of a Summer. Directed by Finn Wolfhard, known for his acting prowess in Stranger Things, this movie revolves around a summer camp where counselors are terrorized by a masked killer. While the character's name and specifics remain undisclosed, viewers will be intrigued to witness if Woon-A-Tai incorporates some of Bear's charm, wit, humor, bravery, perseverance, and determination to survive into his new role in this chilling horror flick.
9 Paulina Alexis
8 Lane Factor
Paulina Alexis, who portrays the beloved character Willie Jack in Reservation Dogs, recently expressed her reluctance to bid farewell to the role as the show approaches its final season. In addition, she disclosed her involvement in undisclosed writing projects and expressed her enthusiasm for potentially joining the prestigious franchises of Assassin's Creed and Spider-Man. Meanwhile, audiences will soon have the opportunity to see her in the Canadian TV series Bones of Crows, where she portrays the character Immpy. Despite Immpy's placement in the lower ranks of the show's credits, it is highly probable that Alexis's screen time will be brief, yet remarkable and impactful, just like her memorable and quick-witted portrayal of the courageous Willie Jack.
Later this year, Lane Factor, known for his role as Cheese in Reservation Dogs, will be featured as one of the three main characters in the indie film Ghosts. This 17-minute short film narrates the story of three Kiowa boys who manage to escape from a government boarding school in Oklahoma in 1891. Their goal is to participate in a ghost dance ceremony held at a distant Kiowa encampment. Through Factor's portrayal of Charles, one of the boys, more viewers will become aware of the horrific mistreatment experienced by Indigenous children at boarding schools during the late 19th century. This issue was also explored in the third episode of Reservation Dogs Season 3, titled "Deer Lady."
7 Zahn McClarnon
Zahn McClarnon, known for portraying Officer Big in Reservation Dogs, will be reprising his memorable role as William Lopez from Hawkeye in the upcoming Marvel series Echo later this year. Not only that, but he will also take on the lead character of Masaka in the captivating remake of The Redman's View, a thought-provoking film centered around the Shoshone Nation's involvement in the American Civil War. Additionally, McClarnon lends his vocal talents to bring life to the characters Olrox in the animated series Castlevania: Nocturne and Thunder Comes Charging in ARK: The Animated Series on Netflix. With his knack for embodying unique and compelling characters like Big, who grapple with the complex juxtaposition of good and evil, McClarnon is sure to captivate an even broader audience.
6 Dallas Goldtooth
Coming up next, Dallas Goldtooth, known for bringing Bear's corny and caring spirit guide William Knifeman to life, will captivate audiences in the upcoming Netflix drama series, Rez Ball. Co-created by Sterlin Harjo, one of the minds behind Reservation Dogs, this show revolves around a high school basketball team hailing from the Navajo nation. While the release is anticipated for either late 2023 or early 2024, fans can also catch Goldtooth's comedic talent on the silver screen in the film Seeds, alongside his Reservation Dogs co-star Kaniehtiio Horn. While details about his new character remain under wraps, Dallas's versatility as an actor will undoubtedly shine through, all while maintaining his trademark irreverent charm on screen.
5 Kaniehtiio Horn
4 Sarah Podemski
Kaniehtiio Horn, known for her enigmatic portrayal of the otherworldly Deer Lady in Reservation Dogs, is set to make her directorial debut this year with the film Seeds. In addition to her executive producer and writer roles, Horn will also star as Ziggy, an influential figure in the online realm, who is called back to her reservation to protect her community's heritage. Alongside her involvement in the Canadian-produced movie Who's Yer Father?, scheduled to premiere in September, Horn's captivating on-screen presence is sure to attract a growing audience, further solidifying her promising career.
Sarah Podemski, known for her role as Rita Smallhill, Bear's mom, in Reservation Dogs, recently wrapped up filming the short film Better Days. She is set to make an appearance in the upcoming basketball movie Warrior Strong, where she will portray the character of Jules. The film also features Rosa Blasi, Jordan Johnson-Hinds, and Andrew Dice Clay. Podemski, as stated in her IMDb biography, is dedicated to reshaping the misrepresented Indigenous narrative that has persisted in the film industry. Through her diverse roles, Podemski continues to enlighten audiences with authentic Indigenous stories on the silver screen.
3 Tamara Podemski
2 Elva Guerra
Acting runs in the Podemski family as Tamara Podemski, the sister of Sarah Podemski, is also a well-known actress. Both of them can be seen starring together in Reservation Dogs. Tamara Podemski, known for her role as Elora's Aunt Teenie, has an impressive acting career spanning over ten years. Furthermore, she is set to make a comeback in the hit Prime Video streaming series Outer Range, where she portrays the character Sheriff Joy Hawk. In the show's intriguing cliffhanger finale of the first season, Sheriff Joy Hawk finds herself transported to the past due to a supernatural event. Through her remarkable performances in these roles, Tamara Podemski not only represents Indigenous people in popular mainstream TV shows but also portrays powerful and resilient female characters who fiercely advocate for themselves and their community.
Jackie, portrayed by Elva Guerra, is a newcomer to the friend group of Bear, Elora, Willie Jack, and Cheese in Reservation Dogs. In addition to her role in Dark Winds, a highly-regarded series by George R.R. Martin and Robert Redford, featuring Zahn McClarnon, there are no listed upcoming projects for Guerra online. However, her remarkable acting abilities will undoubtedly captivate audiences, regardless of the role she embraces next. Through her portrayal of Jackie, a strong, composed, and compassionate character, Guerra's on-screen presence and contribution to the Indigenous and two-spirit community in Hollywood are undeniably here to stay.
1 Kirk Fox
Kirk Fox, known by his alias Kenny Boy, leads viewers on an entertaining and unconventional journey in Reservation Dogs. As the owner of a partially legitimate salvage yard, which serves as a front for meth operations and minor crimes, Fox showcases his talent as a seasoned character actor. Previously showcasing his skills in notable projects such as Wyatt Earp, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he continues to captivate audiences. In upcoming films like Max Dagan, alongside Rob Morrow and Jay Mohr, and The Devil Comes to Kansas City, where he portrays the titular character, Fox's ability to embody peculiar and mysterious roles will surely leave viewers delightfully perplexed.