Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford’s Unbreakable Bond—Could Science Prove They’re Actually Family?

Could Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford be long-lost relatives? The two legendary actors certainly seem to have a deep connection, one so strong that Mirren herself has jokingly suggested they take a DNA test to find out if they share a family bond.

The pair, who star as onscreen couple Cara and Jacob Dutton in the Yellowstone prequel series 1923, have an undeniable chemistry, both on and off the screen. Their bond is so immediate that Mirren, 79, likens it to reconnecting with a best friend from college after decades apart—only with a deeper, more profound connection than ever before.

“We have a weird thing,” Mirren tells People magazine, explaining how their relationship has remained as natural and effortless as it was when they first worked together in 1986 on The Mosquito Coast. “It’s like you haven’t seen them for years, but when you’re back together, it’s exactly the same, only even better.”

Mirren’s feeling of closeness with Ford extends beyond their professional camaraderie, prompting her to humorously suggest that they may even be related. “Maybe we should do a DNA test. Maybe we are brother and sister in the end or something like that,” she offers, only to be met with a stunned response from Ford, 82, who quips, “Well, that makes it even more bizarre.” Mirren quickly adjusts her statement, suggesting, “Maybe cousins. That would be better.”

Ford, ever the pragmatist, seems charmed by the idea of their deep connection but also underscores the importance of their professional relationship. “The main attraction of 1923 for me was a chance to work with her again,” Ford admits. Mirren agrees, emphasizing the comfort and familiarity she felt returning to work with Ford after all these years. “The reality is that we met 40 or 50 years ago when we were doing Mosquito Coast. And now, 40 years later, here we are again.”

Their reunion on 1923 has resulted in what both actors describe as a seamless onscreen partnership. Ford explains, “There are a million different kinds of actors. They’re as different as dentists are to one another—but when there’s a fit, you feel it. It’s just a perfect bit of casting.” And the chemistry between Mirren and Ford is undeniably a highlight of the show.

In 1923, the actors portray a unique love story—a relationship that goes beyond the typical onscreen romance. Mirren reflects, “In movies, people get married or they meet-cute and fall in love and have hot sex or whatever, and then it’s all over, happily ever after. Well, this is the ever after.” The series explores the later stage of a relationship, showing the complexities and depth of love after the initial spark. According to Mirren, it’s a rare portrayal that viewers are drawn to.

Ford adds, “These two are partners as much as lovers, and depend on each other for things that are not part of their quiver of arrows. It’s an extraordinary relationship that Taylor [Sheridan] has written for us to inhabit.”

Whether or not Mirren and Ford are actually related is still up for debate, but their dynamic on 1923 proves one thing: sometimes, the best onscreen connections feel like family.