American Primeval Sparks Trend of Western Cameos Inspired by Taylor Sheridan’s TV Show

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Primeval.

Netflix’s American Primeval, directed by Peter Berg, has garnered considerable attention as a compelling portrayal of the largely unexplored Utah Territory in the late 1850s. The series has risen in popularity, although the fate of a second season remains uncertain, sparking speculation about potential prequels or spin-offs. A fascinating aspect of this series is its unexpected celebrity cameos, which echo similar occurrences in other recent shows, particularly those produced by Taylor Sheridan.

Jim Irsay’s Unexpected Cameo in American Primeval

Jim Irsay as the “Bathing Mountain Man”in Episode One

Marking a considerable departure from his usual role as the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, Jim Irsay makes his acting debut in American Primeval. He appears in the first episode, approximately five minutes in, as a character known as the Bathing Mountain Man, although he is referred to as “Robert”in the scene. This character has a speaking part, in which Irsay humorously calls out Shawnee Pourier’s character, Two Moons, as she stealthily steals a knife: “A-ha! Knife thief! Run, girl, run!”His character is also shown having his back treated by a blacksmith posing as a doctor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwxj0kitr2o

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In a discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Peter Berg shared the backstory behind Irsay’s appearance. He fondly described Irsay as a close friend and a remarkable human being, explaining that the opportunity arose while they were working on a documentary about Irsay’s life. Berg noted, “When I told him about this, he got so excited, so I was like, come on down.”He further praised Irsay, stating that his natural appearance resonates perfectly with the aesthetic of the show, reflecting an authentic Americana vibe from the era.

NFL Owners Cross Over into the Western Genre

Jerry Jones’ Heartfelt Monologue in Landman

Interestingly, Irsay’s cameo in American Primeval follows a brief appearance by Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, in Taylor Sheridan’s Landman, which aired just four days prior. In Landman, Jones features in season 1, episode 9, where he visits Jon Hamm’s character, Monty Morris, post-hospitalization for heart issues. In this scene, Jones delivers a poignant monologue reflecting on his fortune in working with his family in the Cowboys organization. While both teams missed the 2025 NFL postseason, the owners have made notable strides in gaining visibility in the realm of contemporary Western television.

For further context, Jones has previously portrayed himself in series like The League (2012) and Entourage (2010).

Source: The Hollywood Reporter

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