Dane DeHaan shares his experience of portraying a scalped character in Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’
The story kicks off with Sara Rowell and her son arriving at Fort Bridger, where the facade of civilization quickly crumbles. Even the hopeful Mormon newlyweds, Jacob and Abish, can’t escape the chaos.
Things take a dark turn when the couple faces the Mormon militia during the Mountain Meadows massacre. Abish is taken away, and Jacob is left for dead after being scalped.
Dane DeHaan, who plays Jacob, described the experience as intense but rewarding. He loved the makeup process, which was a big part of bringing his character to life.
As the series progresses, you can see Jacob’s mental state deteriorate. DeHaan explained that portraying this descent into madness was his biggest challenge. He’s not just dealing with a physical injury; he’s grappling with severe head trauma psychosis.
His co-star Kim Coates joked about the daily struggles of acting, but DeHaan was serious about the weight of his character’s journey. Jacob is on a mission to avenge his people and find his wife, all while his grip on reality slips away.
One of the most shocking moments comes when Jacob, in a fit of confusion, accidentally kills Abish during a battle. It’s a tragic twist that leaves him devastated. DeHaan noted that despite the chaos, there’s a moment of happiness when Jacob thinks he’s found her.
Watching the finale, DeHaan felt a mix of emotions. Jacob’s journey is a messed-up version of *Romeo and Juliet*, and it’s fascinating how he finds joy even in the darkest moments.
Filming was a wild experience for DeHaan, filled with intense scenes that really pushed the boundaries. If you’re into gripping stories, *American Primeval* is definitely worth a watch!
