Dane DeHaan & Kim Coates Discuss “Severe” Physical Transformations and Complex Character Morality in American Primeval

Dane DeHaan and Kim Coates vividly portray contrasting aspects of Mormon culture during the tumultuous Old West era in the miniseries American Primeval. Since his breakout role in Josh Trank’s Chronicle, DeHaan has established a diverse portfolio across film and television. His credits range from the biographical film Kill Your Darlings to notable appearances in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Oppenheimer, Lisey’s Story, and the HBO adaptation of The Staircase. Conversely, Coates is renowned for his extensive work as a character actor, with memorable performances dating back to Tony Scott’s The Last Boy Scout. He’s particularly celebrated for his role as Tig in the acclaimed series Sons of Anarchy and in the film Goon.

In American Primeval, Coates embodies the historical figure Brigham Young, chronicling his ambitions to secure land in Utah for the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. DeHaan plays Jacob Pratt, a man who sets out to join his congregation along with his new and existing wives. Their journey lands them in Mountain Meadows, a site infamous for a brutal massacre orchestrated by a local militia in collaboration with the Paiute Native American tribe, which results in Jacob’s wife being taken and him teetering on the brink of death.

Joining DeHaan and Coates is an impressive cast, including Betty Gilpin from Mrs. Davis, Taylor Kitsch from Painkiller, Jai Courtney from The Suicide Squad, Shea Whigham from Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, and Saura Lightfoot-Leon, along with Preston Mota and Derek Hinkey. Spearheaded by director Peter Berg and writer Mark L. Smith, this miniseries offers a harrowing exploration of fraught historical events often overlooked in the portrayal of the American Old West.

Leading up to the show’s premiere, ScreenRant had the opportunity to sit down with DeHaan and Coates to delve into their experiences filming American Primeval. They discussed Jacob’s profound transformation following the Mountain Meadows Massacre, his desperate quest to rescue his wife Abish, and Coates’ exploration of the morally complex character of Brigham Young.

Berg Really Helped DeHaan By Pushing Him “To My Limits”In The Show

“…it was a really intense journey…”

Dane DeHaan's Jacob screaming while being held back in American Primeval

ScreenRant: It’s a pleasure to chat with both of you. I watched American Primeval this weekend, and it was an exhilarating and gripping experience from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed your characters. Dane, I want to start with you. You really put your body through the wringer for this performance, especially in the camp assault scene. What was your experience like, not just with the physical demands and prosthetics but also the emotional journey your character undergoes from a lighthearted individual to a much darker persona?

Dane DeHaan: It was intense. He really experiences it all. The makeup was challenging, but, as you mentioned, the mental toll was equally, if not more, difficult to navigate. He suffers from severe head trauma and psychosis, yet brims with faith that perhaps surpasses anyone else’s. This internal conflict can be liberating if you allow yourself to dive deep into it, as it opens up a world of possibilities. It was indeed a significant journey, and I’m thankful that Pete Berg was there to guide and stretch my limits throughout the process.

Coates Dove Head First Into Researching Brigham Young For His Performance

“…that’s not an offer you get every day…”

Kim Coates' Brigham looking stoically into the horizon in American Primeval

It’s clear he pushed your limits, but he also assisted in creating a remarkable character. Kim, Brigham is truly a multifaceted villain. The Wild West’s moral landscape is quite complex. How did you approach finding the character’s core while balancing the theatrical elements alongside his grounded ambitions?

Kim Coates: Absolutely! Playing Brigham Young is an incredible opportunity, one that doesn’t come around often. Upon accepting this role, I immersed myself in his autobiographies and various biographies, alongside several novels about him. Physically, I found that his appearance mirrored mine in some aspects — blue eyes, prominent cheekbones, and his stocky build allowed me to enjoy the food without restriction, which was a pleasant surprise for me. To truly embody Brigham Young, I carried the Book of Mormon with me at all times and stayed in character throughout the shoot, particularly during interactions with Shea Whigham, as we have often discussed since this morning.

Credit goes to Peter Berg for his exceptional direction. His approach to preparation sets him apart; having worked on 75 movies, including projects with Ridley Scott, I can assert that Pete is an artist and a visionary. He embraces challenges and is unafraid of failure, which contributes to his rare success. The way he casts and shoots in real elements — there’s no soundstage here — adds authenticity to the experience. The series represents a struggle for survival during a dark chapter in American history, encompassing the plight of both settlers and Native Americans. I can’t wait for audiences to see this remarkable story, grounded in historical truth. Afterward, I look forward to discussing Brigham Young’s legacy and his actions with everyone. He was undeniably a man of faith who played a significant role in sustaining his religion. Ultimately, we want viewers to form their own perspectives.

About American Primeval

Set in America during 1857, American Primeval portrays a vicious landscape where pain permeates daily life and the struggle between innocence and violence escalates. With peace becoming increasingly rare, survival is the paramount concern. This series offers a fictionalized retelling that examines the violent clashes of culture, religion, and community as both men and women fight for their existence.

Directed by Pete Berg, co-written by Mark L. Smith, and featuring an impressive cast headlined by Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Derek Hinkey, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, and Shea Whigham. Indigenous Cultural Consultant Julie O’Keefe contributes valuable insight along with a dedicated team of consultants from various Indigenous backgrounds, enhancing the authenticity of this poignant narrative.