Helen Mirren Reveals the Surprising Transformation She Saw in Harrison Ford’s Acting on ‘1923’

In the rugged landscape of early 20th-century Montana, the Paramount+ series 1923 brings to life the trials of the Dutton family amid the Great Depression and Prohibition. At the heart of this Yellowstone prequel are Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford, who portray Cara and Jacob Dutton, the steadfast matriarch and patriarch fighting to preserve their ranch and legacy. For Mirren, this project is more than just another role—it’s a reunion with Ford, her co-star from the 1986 film The Mosquito Coast, and an opportunity to witness a remarkable evolution in one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.

A Transformative Performance

Mirren has been vocal about what she cherished most about working with Ford on 1923: his newfound emotional openness. In a February 5, 2025, interview with Screen Rant, she marveled at the shift in Ford’s acting approach. “Something rather magical has happened to Harrison,” she said, reflecting on his transition from the quintessential action hero—known for roles like Han Solo and Indiana Jones—to a performer unafraid to tap into his inner vulnerability. “Now there’s this open road to his inner feelings, which he is absolutely unafraid of expressing,” Mirren explained. She described his ability to deliver “true, quick, instinctive emotional reactions” without slipping into sentimentality, a quality that stood out during a particularly intense scene.

In this bloody moment from 1923, Ford drew a parallel to his real-life experience, telling Mirren, “That was how I was after the accident,” referencing his near-fatal plane crash in 2015. This raw honesty struck Mirren as a stark contrast to the more reserved Ford she remembered from their earlier collaboration. Back on the set of The Mosquito Coast, she had perceived him as a reluctant star, wary of his own fame. Nearly four decades later, his willingness to embrace vulnerability not only deepened their on-screen chemistry but also left Mirren in awe of his growth as an artist.

Off-Set Bonds and Easy Camaraderie

Beyond the camera, Mirren found equal joy in Ford’s sociable nature. In a February 27, 2025, People interview, she affectionately dubbed him “such a bloke,” a term that captures his grounded, approachable demeanor. This quality drew the male cast members to him like moths to a flame. “The other guys just gather around Harrison because they just want to be in his company,” she shared, painting a picture of the cast huddled together in the freezing Montana cold, perched on “funny, funky, little uncomfortable chairs.” Mirren admitted to tagging along, reveling in the relaxed, inclusive atmosphere Ford fostered.

This off-set rapport carried over into countless moments of casual conversation. In a March 8, 2025, People feature, Mirren recounted how she and Ford would “sit around together and shoot the s— off-set.” Unlike many stars who retreat to the solitude of their trailers, Ford stayed present. “I don’t think I ever knew him [or] remember him going, ever, to his trailer,” she noted. This commitment to hanging out on set underscored a camaraderie that made their collaboration a highlight for Mirren.

A Rare Love Story

The depth of their characters’ relationship also struck a chord with Mirren. In a March 1, 2025, People interview, she praised the “rare” love story at the core of 1923. Cara and Jacob Dutton are not just lovers but partners, united in their struggle to protect their land and family. “In movies, people get married or they meet-cute and they fall in love and they have hot sex or whatever, and then it’s all over, happily ever after,” Mirren observed. By contrast, she and Ford crafted a portrayal of enduring partnership, a dynamic Ford himself described as “partners as much as lovers.” This narrative richness added a layer of fulfillment to their work together.

Mirren’s respect for Ford as a collaborator predates 1923. In a December 18, 2022, interview with The Wrap, she revealed that his involvement in the project “immediately raised the stakes enormously high,” a testament to the professional esteem that drew her to the series. That respect has only deepened with time.

A Reunion Spanning Decades

What makes this collaboration particularly special is the history Mirren and Ford share. Their partnership, now spanning nearly 40 years, lends an effortless familiarity to their work. Ford himself likened it to a long marriage in a February 3, 2023, Today interview, saying, “It’s almost as if we’ve been married for 40 years.” Mirren’s reflections echo this sentiment, highlighting how their past added an unexpected delight to their reunion.

For Mirren, working with Ford on 1923 was a blend of professional admiration and personal enjoyment—a chance to witness his artistic evolution, bask in his off-set warmth, and bring to life a complex love story. As the Duttons face the harsh realities of their era, Mirren and Ford’s real-life chemistry shines through, proving that some partnerships only grow richer with time.