Taylor Kitsch Discusses American Primeval Ending Controversy and Fan Reactions

Attention: Spoilers for the conclusion of American Primeval are contained in this article.

Taylor Kitsch Addresses Fan Outcry Over the Series Finale

Taylor Kitsch, a prominent star in the newly released Netflix miniseries American Primeval, has spoken out in response to viewers’ strong reactions regarding the show’s abrupt ending. Crafted by Mark L. Smith and helmed by Peter Berg, this gripping series launched earlier this month, showcasing a diverse cast of characters battling for survival on the precarious American frontier during the 1857 Utah War.

Kitsch’s character, Isaac, embarks on a treacherous journey alongside Betty Gilpin’s Sara and her son, only to face a harrowing demise in the series finale. This pivotal moment has generated significant backlash on social media platforms, prompting Kitsch to clarify the creative choices behind Isaac’s fate.

Insights on Isaac’s Death from Kitsch

In a recent interview with Vulture, Kitsch articulated his thoughts on the passionate fan responses to his character’s demise, emphasizing the intention behind it:

We’re all flattered that people are that receptive to this show. I’d rather have you fucking truly upset that I die than not feel anything at all. Then I didn’t do my job.

It’s the time, right? That’s 1857 in a nutshell, pure survival, moment to moment. There are not many happy endings. In the scene right before the kiss, where she’s saying about California, “Are you sure you don’t want to go?” — it’s a guy who just couldn’t let go. It felt more organic to be that way, rather than, “Let’s just go to California, and maybe we’ll strike gold and get rich.”

Pete and I, there’s such a trust. We had rehearsed, and that’s one of the last scenes we shot. Pete gave me a sick note. He was like, “Isaac is this fucking raw animal.” You hear about how, in a wolf pack, sometimes they’ll leave the pack and go die. He was like, “I want that moment with Gilpin, but it’s also watching this guy go die and come to terms that he’s crossing over, and as honorable as it is, there’s still this fear of did he do enough to go to his family?” That’s where the emotional part of it is, the way I played it. There are two cameras handheld by Brett [Hurd] and Johnny [Garrett], and they’re right there with me following, and Pete is like, “End up at that rock, and we’ll get it.” We did four or five takes. You live for those scenes, of trying to end on a real note.

The Takeaway

As discussions continue around the finale of American Primeval, Kitsch’s comments shine light on the necessity for difficult narrative choices that reflect the harsh realities of the setting. With its exploration of survival and sacrifice, the show provokes a genuine emotional response, and its ending serves as a potent reminder of the unpredictable nature of frontier life.

For more insights, consider checking the full interview on Vulture.

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